Fri Jan 02 00:12:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
This article, originally published in The Hindu’s e-Paper on January 2, 2026, reports on Russia’s request for the U.S. to cease its pursuit of the oil tanker Bella 1, which is fleeing the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic. The tanker is believed to be heading to Venezuela. The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector. The request comes as President Trump seeks a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
News Article:
Russia Demands U.S. Halt Pursuit of Oil Tanker Bound for Venezuela
January 2, 2026 (New York/Washington) – Russia has formally requested that the United States cease its pursuit of an oil tanker, identified as the Bella 1, currently evading the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a report in the New York Times. The tanker is reportedly headed to Venezuela.
American forces have been chasing the Bella 1 for nearly two weeks. The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on four companies involved in Venezuela’s oil sector and associated tankers, escalating pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The diplomatic request comes at a sensitive time, as President Donald Trump is reportedly attempting to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
As of this report, neither the White House, the U.S. Department of State, nor the Russian Embassy have issued a public statement regarding the situation.
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