By Rismadarvoice Reporters
January 3, 2026
Russia has filed a formal diplomatic request, urging the United States to stop pursuing an oil tanker originally destined for Venezuela after the vessel evaded U.S. custody for nearly two weeks.
The move highlights rising tensions between the two nations over energy shipments and maritime enforcement.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the tanker has managed to avoid capture, despite a series of U.S. attempts to intercept it.
Russia insists that the vessel is operating legally under international law and has called on the United States to respect its rights to transport oil to Venezuela.
The incident comes amid already strained relations between Washington and Moscow over sanctions and energy exports. Analysts say the standoff could complicate U.S. efforts to enforce restrictions on Venezuelan oil, may trigger broader diplomatic friction between the two countries.
While the U.S. has not publicly responded to the formal request, Russia maintains that continued pursuit of the tanker would constitute an infringement of international maritime law, could also escalate the situation unnecessarily.
The situation remains fluid with global markets closely monitoring developments as the tanker navigates waters that have become a focal point in the growing energy and geopolitical dispute
