Washington: Russia has asked the United States to end its pursuit of an oil tanker en route to Venezuela after its crew painted the Russian flag on the vessel's side. The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Russia has made a formal diplomatic request to the United States, asking the U.S. Coast Guard to cease its pursuit of the oil tanker "Bella 1" in the Atlantic Ocean, which has been under U.S. pursuit since December 21, 2025. The Russian request comes after the ship's crew painted the Russian flag on its side.
According to Thai News Agency, the USS Bella I was pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard in the Caribbean Sea on allegations that it was flying a fake Guyanese flag while en route to Venezuela to transport oil. More recently, the Coast Guard noticed a hastily drawn Russian flag on the side of the ship, but it's unclear when it was added. American officials believe the crew was attempting to seek protection from Russia.
The United States has previously seized two oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea in an attempt to put pressure on Venezuelan President Nicol¡s Maduro to resign. However, neither the White House, the US State Department, nor the Russian Embassy have commented on the news of Russia's request.