Kathrine Frich
A tense maritime standoff has unfolded in the North Atlantic, adding to already strained relations between Washington and Moscow.
Putin and Trump have long shared a strong friendship but with diplomatic issues rising agarin and again that might not last for long.
Officials on both sides are now trading accusations as details continue to emerge.
Pursuit at sea
The Russian oil tanker Bella-1 is being seized off the UK coast following a helicopter assault, according to Russian media and a US official familiar with the operation.
The official said the action is being carried out by the US Coast Guard in coordination with the US military.
The vessel was intercepted after a pursuit lasting more than two weeks across the Atlantic.
Russian outlets reported that the seizure is taking place near Ireland. US and allied aircraft were observed operating in the area as the operation unfolded.
Sanctions enforcement
US officials said the tanker is subject to American sanctions and had previously fled a US maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels.
The ship had been operating under the name Bella-1 before being renamed Marinera after earlier US Coast Guard attempts to board it in the Caribbean.
Although the vessel is believed to be empty, the US obtained a warrant over alleged sanctions violations and claims it transported Iranian oil.
The seizure followed the tanker’s refusal to comply with boarding requests, according to officials.
Military movements
As the operation continued, Russia dispatched warships to monitor and protect the vessel, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed powers.
US forces also deployed submarine-hunting aircraft to track Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic.
Multiple US and UK military aircraft were reported operating between Iceland and the British Isles during the boarding.
The interception comes days after US special forces carried out a pre-dawn operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and flying him to the United States to face federal charges.
Moscow reacts
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was “monitoring the situation with concern” and accused the US and NATO of subjecting the ship to “clearly disproportionate” scrutiny.
In a statement, Moscow said the tanker was sailing in international waters under the Russian flag and operating “in full compliance with international maritime law.”
A UK government spokesman said Downing Street would not comment on speculation or on the use of British military bases by third parties.
Sources: Daily Express, statements from US officials, Russian Foreign Ministry
