Dialogos

New Tensions Between Russia and the US: American Forces Seized Another Tanker

Published January 9, 2026, 15:01
New Tensions Between Russia and the US: American Forces Seized Another Tanker

The US Coast Guard boarded a fifth tanker on Friday as part of its efforts to monitor vessels allegedly circumventing the US blockade on sanctioned tankers destined for or originating from Venezuela, according to US officials who spoke to the Wall Street Journal. The vessel, named Olina and formerly known as Minerva M, has been placed under US sanctions due to its involvement in the transport of Russian oil. This seizure is likely to exacerbate relations between the US and Russia, coming just days after the seizure of another ship accompanied by Russian naval vessels. The Olina flies the flag of East Timor and is reported to have been traveling under a false flag. The US government is using these seizures to put pressure on the interim government of Venezuela and to put the so-called 'shadow Russian fleet', consisting of more than 1,000 ships, out of operation.