Three tankers carrying Russian diesel are heading to the United States, Moscow has announced, following an agreement that has sparked strong criticism in Ukraine and Europe.

“Three tankers” carrying Russian fuel are currently heading to the United States, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists on Tuesday. A fourth vessel is expected to depart on Wednesday, he added.

US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, earlier this month aimed at easing sanctions against Moscow in exchange for Russian diesel being supplied to the global market.

The measure, introduced in an effort to bring down fuel prices for American consumers ahead of the 3 November midterm elections, has drawn strong criticism from Ukraine and its allies.

The first tanker carrying Russian diesel bound for the United States departed Russia last week.

According to data from Kpler, a company specialising in maritime traffic monitoring, the vessel was carrying nearly 300,000 barrels of diesel loaded at the port terminal of Primorsk and destined for the United States.

Relations between Kyiv and Washington have deteriorated since the Russian-American diesel agreement was reached.