Seizure of Russian tanker heightens US-Russia tensions over Venezuelan oil

The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, stepping up enforcement of sanctions on Venezuelan crude and heightening tensions with Moscow as Washington seeks to reshape energy flows in the Western Hemisphere.

US Coast Guard units and military special forces boarded and took control of the tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella-1, after a pursuit lasting nearly two weeks, US officials said. The vessel had switched to Russia’s flag after previously refusing inspection and was suspected of transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of US sanctions. The tanker was empty at the time of seizure.

The operation was carried out with support from Britain’s Royal Air Force and a Royal Navy vessel. British Defence Secretary John Healey said the mission formed part of international efforts to combat sanctions evasion. Russian state media broadcast images showing a helicopter hovering over the tanker as US forces boarded it.

Russian naval assets, including a submarine, were operating nearby during the operation, raising the risk of confrontation. Moscow condemned the seizure, adding to already strained relations with Washington amid the war in Ukraine and broader disputes over sanctions enforcement.

The tanker seizure comes days after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during an attack on Caracas, an unprecedented move that has drawn condemnation from Russia, China and several Latin American governments. Maduro was transferred to the United States and pleaded not guilty this week in a New York court to narcotics charges.

Washington has since expanded its blockade of vessels suspected of carrying Venezuelan oil. In a separate action, US authorities intercepted the Panama-flagged tanker M Sophia, which was fully loaded with Venezuelan crude, near South America’s northeast coast. It marked the fourth such seizure in recent weeks, according to US officials.

“The only maritime energy transport allowed will be that consistent with American law and national security,” said Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, in a statement posted on social media.

China criticised the US actions, accusing Washington of coercion and objecting to pressure on Venezuela to divert oil supplies away from Beijing, its largest customer. Russia said the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker represented a dangerous escalation and undermined international maritime norms.

President Donald Trump has said the United States intends to take control of large volumes of Venezuelan crude immobilised by sanctions, refining and selling the oil under US supervision. Global oil prices fell following the announcement of increased supply.

While Venezuela’s socialist leadership remains in power following Maduro’s capture, US officials have warned senior figures in Caracas that cooperation is required to avoid further action. The seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker signals that Washington is prepared to aggressively police oil shipments at sea, even at the risk of deepening confrontation with Russia.

Web Desk, Reuters