1 day ago
A high-seas seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by US forces has brought Washington and Moscow to the brink of a new diplomatic clash. Russia has called the move illegal, while the US says it was enforcing sanctions linked to Venezuela.
The US had pursued the oil tanker for more than two weeks across the Atlantic before seizing it on Wednesday. (Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 7, 2026 21:07 IST
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, capping a weeks-long pursuit that has drawn in US and allied military assets and triggered sharp protests from Moscow. The tanker, accused of violating US sanctions linked to Venezuela, was intercepted far from US shores, raising concerns of a fresh flashpoint between Washington and Russia.
The seizure comes amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to enforce oil sanctions worldwide and just days after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicols Maduro. Russia has called the tanker operation illegal, saying it breached international maritime law and freedom of navigation.
Russian-flagged tanker seizure explained
Russian-flagged tanker seized in North Atlantic: US forces seized the tanker Marinera — formerly known as Bella-1 — “pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court,” the US European Command said.
Ship linked to Venezuela, under US sanctions: US officials say the tanker was part of a sanctions-busting network moving oil for Venezuela and had been blacklisted by Washington in 2024.
Crew evaded boarding, changed identity: The tanker refused US Coast Guard boarding in December, crossed the Atlantic, changed its name, switched registration to Russia, and painted a Russian flag on its hull, according to US officials.
Tracked for weeks across the Atlantic: The US pursued the vessel for more than two weeks after it left the Caribbean, with open-source tracking placing it between Scotland and Iceland shortly before the seizure.
British Royal Air Force involved: British Royal Air Force aircraft took part in the US operation, the i newspaper reported. British airbases were used as launchpads for US military aircraft, though the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment.
Russian warships shadowed the tanker: Russia deployed a submarine and naval vessels near the tanker during the pursuit, a move that heightened fears of direct confrontation.
Moscow protests ‘disproportionate’ US action: Russia’s foreign ministry said the tanker was sailing peacefully under its flag and receiving “heightened attention from the US and NATO militaries” despite being far from American waters.
Russia says seizure violated maritime law: Moscow said the action breached the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, stressing that “freedom of navigation applies in the high seas”, as per a Reuters report.
Contact with vessel lost after boarding: Russia’s transport ministry said communication with the Marinera was lost after US naval forces boarded the ship, Reuters report said.
Washington signals more seizures ahead: US officials say the tanker operation is part of a broader effort to enforce oil sanctions “anywhere in the world,” signalling that similar seizures could follow.
- Ends
Published On:
Jan 7, 2026
