Russia has sent a submarine and several warships to protect an old oil tanker that was earlier called Bella 1. This move has sharply increased tensions between Russia and the United States. Giving military protection to a civilian ship is very rare and shows how serious the dispute over sanctioned oil trade has become.
The tanker is now at the center of a growing standoff between Moscow and Washington, with both sides disagreeing over how ships linked to illegal oil shipments should be treated on the seas.
🚨🇷🇺🇺🇸BREAKING | Russia has deployed a submarine and multiple naval assets into the North Atlantic to shield the tanker Marinera from a potential U.S. seizure, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1, has been tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard… pic.twitter.com/IMvcdxWQ56
— WAR (@warsurveillance) January 7, 2026
Why Did Russia Send a Submarine to Escort an Oil Tanker?
Russia has sent a submarine and several warships to protect an old oil tanker that was earlier called Bella 1. According to the reports, this sharply raised tensions with the United States. The move was made after US authorities tried to stop and inspect the tanker for links to sanctioned oil trade.
The ship has become a key target in Washington’s efforts to crack down on illegal oil shipments, especially those connected to Venezuela and Russia. By stepping in with military protection, Moscow has made it clear that it is ready to defend vessels it believes are linked to its oil network.
Oil Tanker Trying to Escape US Blockade Near Venezuela
US officials say the rusting tanker has been trying for more than two weeks to avoid a US naval blockade near Venezuela. The blockade targets ships suspected of carrying oil that breaks international sanctions.
Even though the vessel failed to dock and load oil, it stayed under close watch because authorities believe it is part of a larger network used to move illegal oil across the world, including supplies connected to Russia.
In December, the ship’s crew refused to allow US officials to board. Instead, they sailed the tanker into international waters while the US Coast Guard continued to follow it into the Atlantic Ocean.
Ship Reflags Itself as Russian
As the chase continued, the crew painted a Russian flag on the ship’s side, renamed it Marinera, and changed its registration to Russia. Experts say Russia unusually allowed the ship to take its flag without normal checks or paperwork.
This move shows how worried Moscow is about the United States seizing ships linked to its oil trade.
Because the ship now carries a Russian flag, it becomes harder for US forces to stop or board it. Under international law, vessels sailing under a national flag are protected. However, some officials still question whether the ship should be treated as legitimate because of how the change was done.
Russia Asks the US to Stop
Several US officials say Russia has formally asked Washington to stop chasing the tanker. The Russian Foreign Ministry said it is watching the situation with concern, while Russian media called the US action an interference with a civilian ship.
The White House has not commented. However, the US military said it is ready to “stand against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region,” showing that it plans to continue enforcing oil sanctions.
Where the Oil Tanker Is Now
Tracking data shows the tanker now called Marinera is sailing in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles south of Iceland, and heading toward the North Sea. The US Coast Guard is still monitoring the ship as part of a wider effort to track vessels that try to avoid sanctions.
This incident highlights rising tensions over oil sanctions, shipping laws, and global power struggles at sea, with naval forces from different countries closely watching the tanker’s journey.
