Russia Demands US Halt Pursuit of Venezuela-Bound Oil Tanker 'Bella 1'

• Russia formally requested the US to stop pursuing the oil tanker "Bella 1", which was originally bound for Venezuela and has evaded US authorities for nearly two weeks.
• The diplomatic request was sent to the State Department and White House’s Homeland Security Council on New Year’s Eve, shortly after the vessel appeared on Russia’s official register under a new name.
• The US Coast Guard has been chasing the tanker since December 21, when it resisted seizure by making a U-turn in the Caribbean.
• This pursuit is part of escalating US actions against Venezuela and Nicolás Maduro, including a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and previous seizures.
• The request comes amidst US President Donald Trump's recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.

Why It Matters: Russia demands US cease pursuit of a Venezuela-bound oil tanker, escalating tensions amid broader US actions.