Russia has formally requested that the United States halt its pursuit of an oil tanker originally bound for Venezuela, escalating diplomatic tensions amid Washington’s hardline actions against Caracas.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Moscow filed a diplomatic demarche with the US State Department on New Year’s Eve, urging American authorities to stop efforts to interdict the vessel, previously known as Bella 1.
The tanker has reportedly evaded US custody for nearly two weeks.
The development comes as the ship appeared on Russia’s official maritime register under a new name, raising questions about its legal status and the implications for US enforcement actions.
It remains unclear whether Russia’s request will affect the ongoing US operation to seize the tanker, which had initially headed for Venezuela before making a U-turn to avoid interception by the US Coast Guard.
Publicly available tracking data indicates that the vessel is currently navigating the North Atlantic.
The diplomatic move coincides with renewed engagement between Washington and Moscow, as President Donald Trump continues efforts to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump is said to have spoken twice with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past week.
US authorities have not commented on Russia’s request.
The White House, State Department and Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to inquiries as of press time.
The pursuit of the tanker forms part of a broader escalation in US actions against Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro’s government. In recent weeks, Washington has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean and carried out multiple strikes on vessels it accuses of drug trafficking.
Those operations have reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths and sparked debate over their legality, particularly in light of President Trump’s campaign pledge to reduce US involvement in foreign conflicts.
Reports also indicate that US operations have extended into Venezuelan territory. Last month, a drone strike attributed to the CIA reportedly targeted a port facility along the country’s coastline.
President Trump last month announced a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to or from Venezuela, a move that preceded the seizure of two vessels in December.
The Bella 1 has been under pursuit since December 21, when it reportedly reversed course in the Caribbean after US authorities attempted to interdict it en route to pick up oil.
While the administration has framed its actions as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking into the United States, senior officials have offered differing interpretations.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, in recent interviews, suggested that the broader objective was to force political change in Venezuela.
As diplomatic pressure mounts, the fate of the tanker and the broader implications for US-Russia relations and regional stability remain uncertain.
