Washington: Tensions between the United States and Russia have escalated after Moscow reportedly deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, amid concerns over possible US interception. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the move has emerged as a new flashpoint in already strained US–Russia relations.
The report states that Russia acted to safeguard an ageing oil tanker that had become stranded near Venezuela after failing to load crude. US officials claim the tanker has now become the centre of a growing dispute between the two countries. The US Coast Guard has been monitoring the vessel in the Atlantic Ocean for the past two weeks.
Quoting a US official, the report said Russia sent a submarine along with other naval resources to escort an empty and rusting tanker, identified as Bella 1, turning the incident into a significant geopolitical concern. The tanker, which was unable to load oil in Venezuela, is now reportedly heading towards Russia. The United States has alleged that the vessel is part of a so-called “dark fleet” used to facilitate illicit oil trade in violation of international sanctions.
In December, the US Coast Guard attempted to seize the tanker, but the crew reportedly thwarted the effort. During the pursuit, the crew painted a Russian flag on the ship and renamed it Marinera. Experts cited in the report suggested that Russia granted registration to the vessel without inspection, enabling it to claim protection under international maritime law. Moscow has since demanded that the United States immediately cease tracking the tanker.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has said it is closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, the US Southern Command stated on social media that it remains prepared to take action against sanctioned vessels transiting the region. The tanker is currently reported to be sailing toward the North Sea, approximately 300 miles south of Iceland.
Russian state media outlet RT released a video claiming that the United States is attempting to stop a civilian ship. The standoff comes at a sensitive time, as diplomatic talks between Washington and Moscow continue over the Ukraine conflict. Adding to the tension, US President Donald Trump recently criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of being responsible for the loss of many lives.
Following Western sanctions, Russia is believed to have assembled a “dark fleet” of more than 1,000 ageing tankers operating without insurance to transport oil covertly. The United States has already seized two major vessels from this fleet, Skipper and Centuries, as part of its enforcement actions.
