Ukraine continued its attacks overnight, setting a fuel export terminal in Rostov-on-Don ablaze hours after Washington eased diesel sanctions. Drones also hit a railway bridge, halting train traffic, and two vessels at the port of Azov. Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar reported six people injured and confirmed a fire at industrial storage facilities without identifying the site. Zelensky condemned the agreement, saying, “Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged.” He reiterated that Ukraine would stop attacking Russian refineries if Moscow stopped destroying its energy infrastructure.
Treasury’s temporary license authorizes Russian diesel transactions, including imports into the US, through April 7, 2027. Trump announced more than 300,000 tons immediately, 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons thereafter, followed by another 3 million tons depending on refinery conditions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow was immediately beginning to lift its diesel export restrictions, with exports increasing as refineries return from maintenance. Oil analyst Rory Johnston put the November volume at about 125,000 BPD, roughly a tenth of Russia’s usual exports when its refineries are not under Ukrainian drone attack.