Fight continues: UCCA urges New York state to block arrival of Russian tanker

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) announced an urgent campaign, calling on New York residents and local officials to stop the unloading of a Russian fuel tanker headed for the US. According to the organization, the tanker, carrying approximately 140,000 tons of Russian diesel fuel, is expected to arrive at the Port of New York around Nov. 6-7.

The organization issued an official appeal to state residents, urging them to take immediate action.

“At a time when russia continues its war against Ukraine, reopening US markets to russian fuel risks restoring revenue to an energy sector that helps sustain the russian state,” UCCA said.

New York residents are urged to contact Governor Kathy Hochul and their state representatives, calling on them to use all available authority to prevent the vessel from arriving. The Ukrainian community stresses that purchasing Russian energy resources runs counter to the principles of international security, as every dollar paid for Russian fuel is turned into weapons that destroy Ukrainian cities and kill people.

The scope of the opposition

The return of Russian diesel fuel to US and global markets following the partial easing of sanctions by the US administration, along with related restrictions on critical Starlink connectivity for Ukrainian military personnel, has sparked outrage among Ukrainians around the world.

Earlier, the UCCA Illinois Division organized a rally in Chicago, where activists emphasized that every purchase of Russian diesel directly finances terror and violence. The Houston branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) held a demonstration calling for an end to any concessions to the Kremlin, while the Boston Supports Ukraine community staged a public protest in Boston. In addition, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in London, while in Rome, more than 300 Ukrainians took to Piazza Barberini to protest the “blood-for-diesel deal” and restrictions on satellite connectivity for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As UCCA President and Chair of the Foreign Policy Council of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) Michael Sawkiw previously noted, mass street demonstrations are just one important component of a broader, systemic advocacy effort.

To turn public support into concrete policy decisions, UCCA takes a comprehensive approach. Among other efforts, the organization maintains ongoing cooperation with both Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress.

Read more: How Ukrainians in US advocate for Ukraine’s interests