U.S. seizes Venezuelan tanker sailing under Russian flag. Russia's MFA responds

Reuters reports this, citing two American officials.

The vessel in question is the Bella 1, which spent over two weeks attempting to evade an American blockade near Venezuela. The tanker was unable to dock in the country and load oil, and remained empty.

According to the report, in December the ship's crew repelled an attempt by American forces to board the vessel, after which the tanker headed into open ocean. Subsequently, a painted Russian flag appeared on board, the ship changed its name to Marinera, and was urgently re-registered in Russia.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring reports about the boarding of American military personnel onto the vessel Marinera, which was sailing under the Russian flag in the North Atlantic. Taking into account information about the presence of Russians among its crew members, the ministry is demanding that the United States treat them appropriately.

"Taking into account available information about the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them, strictly observe their rights and interests, and not obstruct their prompt return to the Motherland," the Foreign Affairs Ministry added.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal, citing an American official, reported that Russia dispatched a submarine and other naval forces to escort the tanker.

Russia has dispatched a submarine and additional naval assets to escort an oil tanker that U.S. authorities have been pursuing for over two weeks, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Russia maritime tensions. The vessel, previously called the Bella 1, has been fleeing American forces in the Atlantic after failing to dock in Venezuela and load sanctioned oil.

The tanker's crew successfully resisted a U.S. boarding attempt in December before sailing into international waters. As the Coast Guard continued its pursuit, the crew hastily painted a Russian flag on the ship's hull, renamed it the Marinera, and switched its registration to Russia—a move experts say Moscow facilitated without the usual inspection requirements.

The Kremlin has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of the vessel. On Tuesday, Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it was monitoring the situation "with concern," according to state media outlet RIA. The ship is currently navigating approximately 300 miles south of Iceland, heading toward the North Sea with the Coast Guard still in pursuit.

The dispute threatens to complicate ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and Moscow over Ukraine. "I'm not thrilled with Putin. He's killing too many people," President Trump said on Saturday.

The U.S. had previously sanctioned the Bella 1 for allegedly transporting black-market Iranian oil for terrorist organizations aligned with Tehran. At the time American authorities began their pursuit, the vessel was stateless and flying a false flag, making it subject to seizure under U.S. law.

However, legal experts say the ship's new Russian registration significantly complicates America's justification for boarding. "Once it's legitimately registered, it gets the protection of the flag" under international law, explained retired Rear Adm. Fred Kenney, former director of legal affairs at the International Maritime Organization.

The United States has already seized two large crude carriers, the Skipper and the Centuries, which were part of the illicit oil transportation network. Officials have indicated additional seizures may be forthcoming.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions triggered a dramatic expansion of the global "dark fleet"—an armada of over 1,000 tankers with obscure ownership that use deceptive tactics to conceal their oil shipments. These aging vessels, most over 15 years old, raise serious concerns about environmental disasters and maritime safety.