Tensions between the United States and Russia have escalated after US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, an action that Moscow has strongly condemned as illegal. Washington, however, has defended the move, saying it was enforcing sanctions linked to Venezuela. The incident has raised concerns about a new diplomatic and military flashpoint between the two powers.

According to US officials, the tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, was seized “pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court,” as confirmed by the US European Command. The operation followed a weeks-long pursuit involving US and allied military assets across the Atlantic Ocean.

The United States claims the vessel was part of a network that helped Venezuela bypass US oil sanctions. US authorities said the tanker had been blacklisted by Washington in 2024 due to its alleged role in transporting Venezuelan oil in violation of sanctions. The seizure comes at a time when President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to strictly enforce oil sanctions worldwide.

The incident also follows closely after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, adding to the already strained geopolitical environment. Together, these actions signal Washington’s determination to clamp down on what it sees as sanctions evasion.

US officials said the tanker had previously refused to cooperate with American authorities. In December, the vessel allegedly denied a request by the US Coast Guard to board it. After that, it crossed the Atlantic Ocean and took several steps to conceal its identity. According to US officials, the ship changed its name, switched its registration to Russia, and even painted a Russian flag on its hull to avoid detection.

Open-source tracking data showed that the tanker was monitored for more than two weeks after leaving the Caribbean. Shortly before the seizure, it was reportedly sailing between Scotland and Iceland. The interception took place far from US territorial waters, a fact that has become central to Russia’s protest.

The United Kingdom also played a role in the operation. Britain confirmed that it provided “pre-planned operational support, including basing” to the United States. The UK Ministry of Defence said that a British military vessel assisted during the pursuit and that the Royal Air Force provided aerial surveillance. The ministry stated that the action was carried out “in full compliance with international law,” according to a Reuters report.

As the pursuit unfolded, Russia responded by deploying naval assets near the tanker. Russian warships, including a submarine, were sent to shadow the vessel. This move significantly increased fears of a direct military confrontation between Russian and NATO forces in the North Atlantic.

Moscow reacted sharply to the seizure. Russia’s foreign ministry described the US action as “disproportionate” and said the tanker was “sailing peacefully under its flag.” The ministry added that the ship was receiving “heightened attention from the US and NATO militaries” despite being far from American waters.

Russia also accused the United States of violating international maritime law. Moscow said the seizure breached the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, stressing that “freedom of navigation applies in the high seas,” as reported by Reuters. Russian officials argued that the US had no legal authority to seize a foreign-flagged vessel in international waters.

Adding to the tension, Russia’s transport ministry said that communication with the Marinera was lost after US naval forces boarded the ship. “Contact with the vessel was lost after boarding,” the ministry said, according to Reuters.

Despite Russia’s protests, Washington has signalled that it does not plan to back down. US officials said the North Atlantic seizure was followed by the interception of another tanker, Sophia, in the Caribbean. This second vessel was also allegedly linked to Venezuelan oil shipments. American officials said these actions show that the US will continue enforcing oil sanctions globally, regardless of where the vessels are located.

The seizure of the Marinera has therefore not only strained US-Russia relations but also highlighted the growing risks of confrontation on the high seas, as both sides stand firm on their interpretations of international law and sanctions enforcement.