Russia Urges US to Halt Pursuit of Venezuela-Bound Oil Tanker

• Russia formally requested the US to stop pursuing an oil tanker heading to Venezuela, currently fleeing the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic.
• The tanker, identified as Bella 1, has been pursued by American forces for nearly two weeks.
• The US recently imposed sanctions on four companies and associated tankers involved in Venezuela's oil sector, increasing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.
• The diplomatic request comes as President Donald Trump also seeks a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

Why It Matters: Russia intervenes in US pursuit of a Venezuela-bound oil tanker amid rising tensions.