NYT: Russia demanded that US stop pursuing oil tanker
The Russian government has formally sent a diplomatic request to the US demanding that it stop pursuing an oil tanker bound for Venezuela.
According to The New York Times sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Russian request was delivered to the US Department of State late on Wednesday evening. It was also sent to the White House Homeland Security Council.
The report notes that the tanker episode unfolded at a time when US President Donald Trump is seeking to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's demand that the US stop pursuing the vessel could complicate the negotiations further and heighten tensions between the two countries over Venezuela.
The NYT recalls that the US had been tracking the tanker, known as Bella 1, for nearly two weeks. The vessel, which began its journey in Iran, was heading to Venezuela to load oil when US forces attempted to stop and board it in the Caribbean Sea.
US officials said the ship was not flying a proper national flag, making it subject to detention under international law.
However, the crew of Bella 1 refused to comply and turned back towards the Atlantic Ocean. Since then, the vessel has sought protection from Russia. In particular, the crew painted a Russian flag on the hull and informed the US Coast Guard by radio that they were sailing under the Russian flag.
More recently, Bella 1 appeared in Russia's official ship registry under the new name Marinera, with its port of registry listed as Sochi.
The White House declined to comment officially.
In the meantime, a US official speaking on condition of anonymity said the Trump administration continues to regard the tanker as "stateless", as it was sailing under a false flag when the US Coast Guard first approached it.
A day earlier, the US imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and tankers linked to Venezuela.
On 30 December, the US also imposed sanctions on ten individuals and entities based in Iran and Venezuela in connection with the supply of drones.