US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after dramatic chase

The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic following a weeks-long pursuit that drew in Russian naval assets and was carried out with the knowledge and approval of the United Kingdom. The seizure has drawn a sharp response from Moscow, with Russia’s Transport Ministry saying "no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in other states’ jurisdictions".

Meanwhile, US Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said that only maritime energy transport consistent with American law and national security would be



permitted.

The vessel, originally named Bella 1 and now registered as Marinera, was taken under US control on Wednesday under the authority of a federal court warrant for violating US sanctions, the US European Command said in a post on X.

US officials said the seizure operation was conducted jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US military, with British cooperation playing a key role. British airbases were used as the launchpad for the mission to attempt boarding of the tanker, while Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft monitored the vessel as it moved through waters between Iceland and the UK.