ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. The first tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel fuel will depart from the port on Thursday, October 22, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

"The first tanker is planned to depart from the port tomorrow, on [October] 22, bound for the United States," he said, adding that the tanker would have a capacity of 40,000 tons.

"Subsequent shipments will follow, of course. As has been agreed by the two leaders, we will meet the needs of the United States within the range of our capabilities," Novak added.