US forces seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic after a weeks-long chase, prompting criticism from Russia and China. Donald Trump declined to confirm contact with Vladimir Putin, while the White House said it will continue targeting sanctioned oil shipments.
The US Coast Guard seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including a Russian-flagged vessel, in the North Atlantic as part of sanctions enforcement. One tanker had evaded US forces for weeks, escalating tensions with Russia over illicit oil trade.