Russian Navy ‘Backed Off’ as U.S. Forces Captured Shadow Fleet Tanker, Trump Says
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian naval forces quickly withdrew when confronted by the U.S. military during the seizure of a tanker off the coast of Britain.
The vessel, Marinera—linked to Venezuelan oil exports—was intercepted in the North Atlantic after being tracked for nearly two weeks by U.S. and U.K. forces. The ship is suspected of helping move Venezuelan oil in violation of international sanctions. It was previously known as Bella 1 and had reportedly used deceptive tactics such as changing its name, flag, and route to avoid detection.
According to Trump, Russian military assets, including a submarine and a destroyer, were spotted near the tanker and appeared ready to protect it. However, he said they withdrew almost immediately once U.S. forces arrived, allowing the ship to be taken over. The oil aboard the tanker is now being offloaded.
U.S. intelligence sources confirmed that Russian naval units were detected near the vessel but moved away during the operation. The crew, which included Russian nationals, has since been released following intervention from Moscow, a move later confirmed by the Kremlin.
The incident has added to rising tensions between Washington and Moscow. Some Ukrainian analysts believe the seizure may have been linked to Russia launching an Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile the same night, which struck a major gas facility in Lviv, close to the Polish border.
Russian officials and lawmakers reacted angrily, accusing the United States of aggressive behavior. Meanwhile, British forces played a major role in the joint operation, with the UK’s defence secretary praising the professionalism of the personnel involved.
Trump has indicated that similar maritime actions will continue, stating that the U.S. intends to keep intercepting illegal vessels until international waters are secure.
