Russia has reportedly asked the White House to halt a U.S. Coast Guard effort to seize the tanker Bella 1 after crew members painted a Russian flag on the ship's hull. The vessel was earlier accused of sailing under a false flag while bound for Venezuela. A U.S. official declined to confirm Moscow's request, which was reported by The New York Times. The incident comes amid U.S. pressure on Venezuela's oil trade and concurrent U.S. diplomatic efforts related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia Seeks U.S. Halt On Seizure Of Tanker Bella 1 After Crew Painted Russian Flag
Russia asks US to end pursuit of oil tanker: Report
Russia has reportedly asked the White House to stop U.S. efforts to seize the oil tanker Bella 1 after crew members painted a Russian flag on the vessel's hull, multiple U.S. and international outlets reported.
Last month, the tanker was en route to Venezuela to pick up oil when U.S. military personnel attempted to board the ship in the Caribbean amid allegations it had been sailing under a false flag. The vessel has since displayed markings intended to suggest a Russian affiliation.
This is a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that has transported sanctioned oil. This vessel was deemed stateless after flying a false flag. This vessel has a judicial seizure order, and the crew will be subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law, an administration official told NewsNation.
The New York Times reported Thursday that Moscow had asked Washington to stand down, citing two unnamed sources; a Trump administration official declined to confirm whether such a request had been made.
Wider Context
U.S. forces have already seized two other tankers in the Caribbean as part of broader pressure on Venezuela's oil trade under the current administration. At the same time, Pentagon operations targeting vessels described as drug trafficking boats have reportedly resulted in more than 100 deaths in international waters, according to U.S. officials.
In a recent engagement, U.S. forces targeted a three-vessel convoy; after one vessel was destroyed, occupants of the other two reportedly jumped overboard before those vessels were struck, U.S. Southern Command said.
The U.S. Coast Guard said it had been notified of mariners in distress in the Pacific Ocean and that it is coordinating search-and-rescue operations with nearby vessels and agencies.
Diplomatic Angle
Russia's diplomatic intervention on behalf of the Bella 1 comes as the U.S. is simultaneously involved in efforts to help broker a cease-fire or peace settlement between Moscow and Kyiv. The request underscores how maritime incidents tied to sanctions, oil shipments and flagging can rapidly escalate into broader geopolitical disputes.
Developments remain fluid. U.S. officials emphasize the vessel's alleged false-flag status and the existence of a judicial seizure order, while Russia's diplomatic move — if confirmed — could complicate enforcement actions at sea.
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