Russia sends submarine to escort tanker targeted for US seizure — WSJ
Russian oil tanker suspected of illegal oil transportation (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia sent a submarine to escort an oil tanker that was trying to escape confiscation by the US. The vessel is suspected of illegally transporting Venezuelan oil, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Attempted arrest and Russian response
According to the agency's sources, the tanker, formerly known as Bella 1, became the subject of interest of US law enforcement agencies on suspicion of links with Russia's shadow fleet. When the ship was in international waters near Venezuela, the US attempted to legally intercept it.
In response, Moscow sent a diesel-electric submarine to the area. The Russian military vessel is acting as a convoy, demonstrating its readiness to defend the cargo by force. This is the first time in a long time that Russia has used submarines to escort commercial vessels in the Western Hemisphere.
Geopolitical context
WSJ analysts note that the Kremlin's actions are aimed at:
- Protecting oil revenues - Venezuela remains a key partner for Russia in the sale of sanctioned energy resources.
- Challenge the US - the presence of a submarine fleet near US borders is a direct signal to Washington about the expansion of Russia's sphere of influence.
The Pentagon has not yet officially commented on the movement of the Russian submarine, but sources in the defense department confirm that they are closely monitoring the situation.
Three US officials have confirmed that Russia is demanding an end to the pursuit of the tanker. The Russian Foreign Ministry has publicly expressed concern over the actions of the American side.
Donald Trump announced a complete naval blockade of sanctioned tankers carrying Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan oil.
The US President has instructed the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard to develop a plan to intercept ships belonging to the shadow fleet in international waters. This initiative aims to cut off the Russian shadow income and increase global sanctions pressure.
The US was preparing a large-scale operation to intercept an oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean. The US Coast Guard tracked a vessel suspected of transporting oil on behalf of sanctioned regimes.
