UCCA & Ukrainian American Advocacy Blocks Russian Diesel Shipments to US Ports

NEW YORK (UCCA) – The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) welcomes the decision by the Governors of New York and New Jersey to turn back Russian diesel shipments, preventing Russian fuel tankers from reaching US shores. This is an important victory for accountability and a powerful affirmation that American states must not provide an economic lifeline to a regime waging a brutal war against Ukraine.

Over the past several weeks, the UCCA has taken an active role in challenging the reported shipments of Russian diesel fuel to the Port of New York and New Jersey, engaging directly with states leaderships, mobilizing the Ukrainian American community, and urging elected officials at both the state and federal levels to take action.

On October 28, the UCCA formally contacted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and expressed grave concern over the reported arrival of 40,000 tons of russian diesel aboard the Agioi Fanendes, expected to reach New York on November 7. Reportedly the first Russian fuel cargo to reach the United States since 2022, the shipment was said to be proceeding under a US Treasury license, raising serious questions about the circumvention of existing federal restrictions and the enforcement of US sanctions.

In its communication, the UCCA urged Gov. Hochul to examine every available legal and administrative measure to prevent New York from facilitating transactions that could benefit the Russian economy while Moscow continues its war of aggression against Ukraine. The UCCA specifically called attention to the Governor’s 2022 Executive Order prohibiting New York State agencies from contracting with companies doing business in Russia  while applicable federal sanctions remain in effect.

The UCCA also challenged the argument that importing russian diesel would provide meaningful relief to American consumers, emphasizing that any marginal economic benefit must be weighed against the profound moral and geopolitical consequences of allowing revenue to flow to a country responsible for the devastation of Ukraine.

Recognizing that this was not simply a New York issue, the UCCA also reached out to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, thanking her for her principled position and urging decisive action to prevent russian fuel from entering the region.

Alongside its direct engagement with state leadership, the UCCA issued two urgent community Action Items, calling upon Ukrainian Americans and supporters of Ukraine to make their voices heard.

The first urged New Yorkers to contact Governor Hochul and their New York State representatives, demanding immediate action to stop the shipment. The second called on the Ukrainian American community nationwide to contact their members of Congress in both the House and Senate, demanding federal accountability, a full examination of the circumstances surrounding the shipment, enforcement of all applicable US laws and sanctions, and answers from the Administration regarding the authorization of Russian fuel imports.

The UCCA also called on Congress to take steps to prohibit the importation of Russian fuel in violation of US law and ensure that existing restrictions are not undermined through licensing arrangements or other mechanisms.

The response from the Ukrainian American community was significant. The UCCA extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who answered the call to action, including the hundreds of individuals who contacted elected officials, as well as those who participated in public demonstrations. Special recognition goes to the UCCA Capital District Branch for organizing protests in Albany and helping bring this issue directly to the attention of state leadership.

This outcome demonstrates the importance of sustained advocacy and a united community willing to hold elected officials accountable. The UCCA is proud to have played an active role in bringing this issue forward, coordinating advocacy efforts, and ensuring that the concerns of Ukrainian Americans were heard by those in positions to act.

“At a time when Russia continues to systematically attack Ukraine’s civilian population, destroy its energy infrastructure, and wage a war intended to undermine its very existence, the United States must not become a market for russian resources that pay for putin’s war machine. We are encouraged that the Governors of New York and New Jersey have taken action to prevent these shipments from reaching our shores. This is precisely why advocacy matters. We raised the alarm, mobilized our community, engaged elected officials, and demanded accountability. We thank the Governors for their actions and our Ukrainian American community for making its voice heard. This is an important step, but our work is not finished. We must continue pressing for consistent enforcement of sanctions and an end to the loopholes that allow russia to profit while its genocidal war against Ukraine continues,” said UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr.