US-Russia Tensions Flare: Naval Standoff Over Sanctioned Oil Tanker in Atlantic

• Russia deployed a submarine and naval vessels to protect an old oil tanker near Venezuela, escalating US-Russia tensions.
• The US alleges the tanker, previously named Bella 1 and now 'Marinera', is part of an illegal oil trade network circumventing sanctions.
• US Coast Guard tracked the vessel for two weeks; Russia deployed naval assets after the tanker evaded US attempts to board it in international waters.
• Russia views US pursuit as interference with a civilian vessel, while the US Southern Command is prepared to act against prohibited activities.
• This confrontation deepens diplomatic and military tensions already high due to the Ukraine war, raising concerns among experts.

Why It Matters: Naval standoff over a sanctioned oil tanker intensifies US-Russia tensions amid Ukraine war.