In brief
Kremlin aide Nikolay Patrushev warned that the United Kingdom and NATO could be arranging sabotage operations against tankers carrying Russian diesel destined for the United States. Patrushev cited a Russia‑US diesel fuel deal that London does not support, and said Moscow is closely monitoring the situation. The Kremlin spokesperson also referred to a recent U.S.‑Russia phone call wherein President Donald Trump discussed petroleum supplies and to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak’s comment that Russia would lift its diesel export ban early.
On April 7, 2027, Russian TV channel TASS reported that Kremlin aide Nikolay Patrushev told the Russian press that Britain and NATO may be preparing sabotage operations against vessels that transport Russian diesel to the United States.
Patrushev, chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, said during an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily that “I have no doubt that sabotage against tankers carrying Russian diesel is already being prepared in British and NATO headquarters.” He called the potential acts “the most outrageous and skillfully organized provocations from the UK.”
He added that the plans would target the Russia‑US deal on diesel fuel supplies, which he said London does not approve of. Patrushev accused Europeans of being trapped by sanctions, geopolitical ventures and “rampant Russophobia.”
The Kremlin spokesperson noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on October 9 about petroleum product supplies. Putin reiterated Moscow’s readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also stated that Russia would lift its diesel export ban ahead of schedule and was ready to resume exports.
There is no independent verification that the United Kingdom or NATO are actively planning sabotage. The allegations remain unconfirmed outside of Patrushev’s statements.
