U.S., Cementing Control on Venezuelan Oil, Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Nicholas Nehamas, Eric Schmitt, Julian E. Barnes and Michael LevensonJanuary 7, 2026 at 11:00 PM

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long article 7 min

In January 2026, the U.S. military seized two oil tankers, including a Russian-flagged vessel, in the North Atlantic and Caribbean. The U.S. Coast Guard had been pursuing the Russian tanker, Marinera, for weeks, citing violations of U.S. sanctions. The second tanker, considered "stateless," was intercepted for allegedly conducting illicit activities. These seizures occurred as the Trump administration outlined plans to control Venezuela's oil sales following a military raid that ousted a Russian ally, President Nicolás Maduro. The White House indicated that the U.S. would dictate actions taken by Venezuela's interim government. Venezuela's state-run oil company confirmed it was negotiating oil sales to the U.S. under commercial frameworks.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Karoline Leavitt 40% North Atlantic 40% Caribbean ×240% Chevron 40% Moscow 50% Marinera (Bella 1) ×260% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 60% Petróleos de Venezuela 60% Trump administration ×270% Russia 70% Venezuela ×680% United States ×690%

Keywords

venezuelan oil 100% oil tanker seizure 90% russian-flagged tanker 80% u.s. sanctions 70% u.s. control 70% oil sales 60% international waters 50% illicit activities 40%