'Reverse course while there's still time' — US senator tells ships carrying Russian diesel to turn around

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal warned a shipping company to turn back a tanker carrying Russian diesel, citing potential violations of U.S. sanctions. The tanker, Agioi Fanendes, is reportedly heading to New York with 40,000 metric tons of diesel, the first shipment under a controversial deal announced by former President Trump. Blumenthal's letter emphasizes that such shipments are illegal under the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act. He argues that Trump's deal does not override existing laws and urges the shipping company to recall the vessel. This situation has sparked bipartisan backlash in Congress, with efforts to block the deal and impose further sanctions against Russia. The Agioi Fanendes is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on November 7, raising concerns about its legal implications and the potential financing of the war in Ukraine.