Russia has deployed naval assets to escort an oil tanker being pursued by U.S. forces across the Atlantic. This comes after Washington steps up enforcement of sanctions linked to Venezuela and Iran, bringing the standoff into European-adjacent waters.
The vessel, now named Marinera (formerly Bella 1) and sailing under a Russian flag, is believed to be between Scotland and Iceland. Though currently empty, it has previously transported Venezuelan crude oil and is accused by the U.S. of violating sanctions by shipping Iranian oil. American authorities attempted to seize the ship last month in the Caribbean but it abruptly changed course, reflagged and renamed itself.
President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers connected to Venezuela, accusing Caracas of using maritime routes for drug trafficking. U.S. officials said that American forces would prefer to seize the vessel rather than destroy it, but rough seas and distance from shore are complicating any boarding attempt.
Russia has criticised what it calls “disproportionate” U.S. and NATO attention, insisting the ship is operating legally in international waters. Maritime analysts note, however, that changing a vessel’s name or flag does little to shield it from U,S. enforcement, which is based on ownership and sanctions history.
