In brief
Kremlin aide Nikolay Patrushev warned that the United Kingdom and NATO may already be planning sabotage against Russian diesel tankers, particularly those involved in a Russia‑US fuel agreement. He criticized European sanctions and Russophobia, while Moscow closely monitored the situation. The claim remains unsubstantiated, with the United Kingdom denying any such intentions.
In a statement aired on April 7, 2027, Kremlin aide and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev accused the United Kingdom and NATO of already preparing sabotage operations against vessels carrying Russian diesel fuel heading to the United States. Patrushev said the United Kingdom is “disapproving” the Russia‑US diesel fuel deal and that sabotage preparations were underway at British and NATO headquarters.
Patrushev further accused Europe that it has become trapped by sanctions and widespread Russophobia, and that the “burnt bridges” have left no clear path forward. He claimed Moscow is closely tracking the development of these alleged risks and was “ready” to respond with support for the United States to obtain oil and petroleum products.
The Kremlin aide’s remarks echo an earlier statement from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak who said Russia would lift its diesel export ban ahead of schedule and remain ready to supply the United States and other markets.
“I have no doubt that sabotage against tankers carrying Russian diesel is already being prepared in British and NATO headquarters,” Patrushev said in an interview with Rossiiskaya Gazeta on October 30, 2023.
Among the sources noted by Patrushev was a phone call on October 9, 2023, between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which they discussed petroleum product supplies. Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets in that conversation.
Patrushev criticized the United Kingdom’s stance on the Russia‑US diesel deal, arguing that the UK’s refusal to approve the arrangement would encourage sabotage by British and NATO officials. He portrayed the situation as a “skillfully organized provocation” against the bilateral agreement.
Moscow’s monitoring of the situation is described as close and vigilant, with Patrushev stating that the Kremlin is aware of European actions “step by step.” He framed the broader European sanctions regime as a trap that has left Europeans with limited options for resolving the diesel supply chain.
The allegations that NATO and the United Kingdom are planning sabotage remain unverified. While Russian officials claim that preparations are underway, there is no public evidence from either NATO or the UK of such activities, and no independent confirmation of sabotage operations.