Russia Asks US to Halt Pursuit of Venezuelan Oil Tanker

US Pressure Campaign on Venezuela

• 🎯 President Trump is continuing a pressure campaign against Venezuela and its leader, Nicholas Maduro, extending into 2026.
• ⚡ Strikes on alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific are ongoing, with the president stating the goal is to prevent fentanyl from entering the US.
• ⚠️ Survivors were reported in a recent strike, and the Coast Guard is still searching for them.

Maduro's Response to US Actions

• 💬 Nicholas Maduro accuses the US of lying, imposing vetoes, and waging a war with fake news against Venezuela.

Sanctioned Oil Tanker and Russian Involvement

• 🚢 The US Coast Guard is pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Venezuela's illicit oil trade.
• 🇷🇺 Russia has formally asked the US to cease its pursuit of this tanker.
• 📜 The tanker, previously rebranded under Russia's shipping registry, could face legal challenges for the US if seized due to its reflagging.
• 🇺🇸 A US official stated the vessel is a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that transported sanctioned oil and was deemed stateless after flying a false flag, with a judicial seizure order in place.
• ❓ It remains unclear if President Trump has responded to Russia's request or the ongoing drug boat strikes.