Kathrine Frich
A maritime standoff in the Atlantic is drawing in Washington and Moscow at a delicate diplomatic moment.
At its center is an oil tanker whose journey has triggered legal disputes and political tension.
The episode is unfolding as efforts to ease the war in Ukraine continue, raising questions about whether events at sea could spill into wider negotiations.
Formal demand sent
Russia has formally asked the United States to stop pursuing an oil tanker currently being followed by the US Coast Guard.
The request was sent this week to the US State Department, according to reporting by The New York Times.
The vessel is sailing toward Venezuela and is carrying Iranian crude oil, the newspaper reported, citing US officials familiar with the matter.
American authorities had been tracking the tanker for about two weeks before the situation escalated.
A ship on the run
The tanker was originally known as Bella 1 but has since been renamed Mariner.
During the pursuit, its crew ignored US Coast Guard instructions and altered course, The New York Times reported.
Soon after, the ship began displaying a Russian flag on its hull. US officials said the move appeared aimed at seeking Moscow’s protection.
“The ship is trying to gain Russian protection, although this is unlikely under international law,” US officials told the newspaper.
Legal grey zone
Washington considers the tanker a stateless vessel, arguing it previously operated under a false flag before switching its registration to Russia.
The White House declined to comment publicly on the ongoing pursuit.
US officials say the tanker remains subject to American enforcement actions despite Moscow’s objections.
The case follows earlier US seizures of two other tankers in the Caribbean as part of efforts to limit Venezuela’s oil exports.
Wider implications
The timing of Russia’s request coincides with US President Donald Trump’s attempts to broker an agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
Observers say the tanker dispute could complicate already fragile talks.
Progress in negotiations has so far been limited, particularly on security guarantees and territorial issues.
A US official described the broader policy clearly: “Our goal is to put pressure on the Maduro government by restricting its oil exports.”
Sources: The New York Times, US officials, WP.
