New Jersey Governor Threatens Legal Action Over Trump-Authorized Russian Diesel Imports

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned port and terminal operators on Monday, Nov. 2, against unloading Russian diesel shipments authorized by President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that the imports violate federal law and could help finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine. In a letter to New Jersey port operators, Sherrill said businesses and individuals involved in purchasing or unloading Russian fuel could face substantial civil and criminal penalties.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The warning follows the US Treasury Department’s Oct. 9 issuance of General License 135, authorizing certain transactions involving the sale, delivery, unloading and importation of Russian-origin diesel. Sherrill argued that the authorization conflicts with the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, passed by Congress in April 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The law prohibits imports of Russian energy products, including diesel, subject to provisions governing the removal of restrictions. According to Sherrill, the administration cannot unilaterally bypass those requirements without obtaining the necessary congressional review and certifying that Russia has met conditions related to its invasion of Ukraine. She noted that Moscow continues its war and has not withdrawn its forces from Ukrainian territory. Russian tankers approach US East Coast Sherrill’s warning comes as several tankers carrying Russian diesel have reportedly departed Russian ports for destinations along the US East Coast. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Warns Russia Preparing Massive Strike on Ukraine as World Focuses on US Midterms Ukrainian intelligence warns of a new Russian assault on energy and logistics infrastructure after Moscow killed 26 people at a humanitarian aid site. At least one vessel could be headed toward New Jersey, she said. US Senator Richard Blumenthal previously warned shipping companies against facilitating Russian diesel imports, citing vessels reportedly carrying fuel from St. Petersburg toward American ports. One vessel, the Agioi Fanendes, was reported to be carrying nearly 40,000 metric tons of diesel toward the Port of New York and New Jersey, with an expected arrival date of Nov. 7. Another tanker, the PVT Azura, was reportedly carrying nearly 109,000 barrels toward Norfolk, Virginia. Sherrill said companies participating in unlawful imports could face penalties equal to the value of the imported goods, potentially amounting to millions of dollars. The governor pledged to use available state legal and regulatory powers to prevent New Jersey’s ports and infrastructure from facilitating transactions she considers unlawful. Governor accuses Trump of financing Putin’s war Sherrill, a former US Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, also accused Trump of undermining American security by allowing renewed Russian fuel imports. She argued that purchases of Russian diesel would generate revenue for Moscow while its forces continue attacking Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The governor also linked Russia’s energy revenues to Moscow’s support for Iran amid ongoing US-Iran hostilities. The administration’s authorization has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, who argue that executive licensing cannot override restrictions enacted by Congress. Sherrill urged port operators to turn away vessels carrying Russian diesel rather than risk enforcement action. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.