As the Donald Trump U.S. administration moves to crack down on tankers near Venezuela under the pretext of curbing drug inflows and related crimes, tensions between the two countries are showing signs of spreading to Russia. Russia has demanded that the United States stop chasing the tankers.
On the 1st, The New York Times (NYT) cited sources as saying, "The Russian government made a formal diplomatic request to the United States to halt the pursuit of an oil tanker that was headed to Venezuela," adding, "Russia's diplomatic intervention could further complicate attempts to seize the tanker amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela."
Since the 21st of last month, the United States has been pursuing the tanker Bella 1, which was moving through the Caribbean Sea to Venezuela. The U.S. Coast Guard initially confirmed that Bella 1 was not flying a valid flag and judged, under international law, that a boarding inspection was permissible, then approached the vessel. However, the ship continued sailing without complying with the Coast Guard's demands and is still in a chase with the United States.
Later, at the end of last month, Bella 1's crew painted a Russian flag on the side of the tanker and radioed the U.S. Coast Guard that they were sailing as a Russian-flagged tanker. The NYT reported that it was recently confirmed in Russia's official ship registry that Bella 1 was registered under the name Marinerah.
An anonymous Trump administration government official said, "The tanker was flying a false flag when the Coast Guard approached, so it is still considered a 'stateless vessel.'" Observers say it is effectively impossible under international law for Bella 1 to receive Russia's protection.
David Tannenbaum, former U.S. Treasury Department sanctions compliance Director, also said, "It is unclear whether the 'overnight flag registration' that Russia provided to the vessel will be recognized as valid."
To pressure Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration has enforced a tanker blockade since the 10th, and even the possibility of ground operations has been raised. In response, Venezuela ordered its navy to escort some tankers leaving the country and asked the U.N. Security Council to convene a meeting to discuss "the United States' ongoing acts of aggression."
Russia is a key ally of Venezuela and has publicly expressed support for the Nicolás Maduro government. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that in a call between the Venezuelan and Russian foreign ministers last week, Russia "reaffirmed its full support and solidarity with Venezuela's leadership and people."
Russia's involvement could further heighten tensions between the United States and Russia. The NYT said, "This tanker dispute arose as President Trump, who is attempting to broker peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, has repeatedly expressed frustration over his failure to end the war," adding, "Russia's request that the United States halt the pursuit of the vessel introduces a new variable to the talks and could further inflame bilateral tensions over Venezuela."