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US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker in Atlantic as UK Confirms Support for Operation
The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic in a high-profile maritime operation that has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow and highlighted growing Western efforts to clamp down on sanctions evasion. The UK government has confirmed it provided support to the mission at Washington’s request.
The vessel, reportedly operating under the name Marinera, was intercepted by U.S. forces after being tracked across the Atlantic for more than two weeks. American officials say the tanker was part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to move sanctioned oil while obscuring ownership, flag registration and cargo origin. The tanker had allegedly changed names and flags multiple times in recent years, a tactic commonly associated with attempts to bypass international sanctions.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the operation was carried out under existing sanctions enforcement powers, with the tanker suspected of transporting oil in violation of U.S. restrictions linked to Russian and Venezuelan energy exports. The crew has been detained and may face legal proceedings, although U.S. officials have yet to confirm specific charges.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that British forces provided logistical and intelligence support to the operation. This included aerial surveillance by RAF aircraft and coordination at sea, though the UK stressed that American forces led the seizure itself. A government spokesperson said the support was provided “in full compliance with international law” and formed part of the UK’s broader commitment to countering sanctions evasion and protecting maritime security.
Russia has condemned the seizure, accusing the United States of acting unlawfully on the high seas. Russian officials argued that the tanker was legally registered and that the operation set a dangerous precedent for international shipping. Washington has rejected these claims, maintaining that the vessel’s registration status was unclear and that there was sufficient evidence of sanctions violations.
The incident underscores intensifying enforcement efforts by the U.S. and its allies against networks used to move sanctioned oil, particularly as revenues from energy exports remain critical to Russia’s war economy. Analysts say the operation also sends a strong signal to shipping operators and insurers that Western governments are prepared to take direct action against vessels suspected of evading sanctions.
Beyond the immediate diplomatic fallout, the seizure highlights the deepening security cooperation between the U.S. and the UK at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. As sanctions enforcement becomes increasingly assertive, further confrontations at sea may test the boundaries of international maritime law and escalate disputes between major powers.
Attached is a news article regarding the US seizes Russian flagged ship tanker in Atlantic
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cwynjdqgellt
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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