Russia has moved in warships to protect an oil tanker that the US was reportedly preparing to seize. The vessel, previously known as Bella 1, has since been renamed Marinera and reportedly reflagged itself from Guyana to Russia.
The tanker has been under scrutiny since last month, when the US Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean after obtaining a warrant over alleged violations of US sanctions and claims that the ship had transported Iranian oil. The operation failed when the vessel suddenly changed course. The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced what he described as a “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela — a move the Venezuelan government condemned as “theft.”
In the days leading up to the US capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, January 3, Trump repeatedly accused Venezuela’s government of using maritime routes to smuggle drugs into the United States.
As the standoff intensifies, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it expects Western governments to respect the principle of freedom of navigation, underscoring the growing international dimension of the dispute.
As the tanker continues to make its way across the North Atlantic, Russia says it is “monitoring the situation with concern” and has accused the US and Nato of subjecting the vessel to “clearly disproportionate” scrutiny.
In a statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the ship is sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and is operating “in full compliance with international maritime law.” Moscow added that it expects Western nations to uphold that principle in practice.
Despite the diplomatic warnings, U.S. military officials signalled they are prepared to act. US Southern Command said in a social media post that it “remains ready” to support other American agencies in confronting sanctioned vessels moving through the region.
“Our sea services are vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest,” the command said. “When the call comes, we will be there.”
