WASHINGTON — The United States seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers on Wednesday, including one flying Russia’s flag, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to control Venezuelan oil flows following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. Coast Guard and special forces boarded the Russian-flagged Marinera (formerly Bella-1) in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit, and intercepted the Panama-flagged M Sophia near South America.
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The operations mark an escalation of Trump’s blockade on sanctioned vessels, imposed after Maduro’s dramatic raid capture in Caracas over the weekend. Officials described the tankers as part of a “shadow fleet” evading sanctions, with the Marinera shadowed by Russian vessels during the chase.
China Decries ‘Bullying’ as Oil Prices Decline
Beijing strongly condemned the seizures, calling them “bullying” and a threat to global energy security, as China remains Venezuela’s largest oil buyer. The moves coincide with a U.S.-Venezuela deal to redirect up to 50 million barrels of crude—worth around $2-3 billion—to American markets, diverting supplies previously headed to China.
Global oil prices dropped over 1% on expectations of increased supply flooding the market. Analysts note the unlocked stranded cargoes could ease 2026 oversupply concerns. Russia protested the Marinera seizure, demanding crew safety, while the White House insisted the vessel was “stateless” despite its flag change.
The actions underscore Trump’s strategy to leverage Venezuela’s vast reserves for U.S. benefit, promising to use proceeds for American products and industry revival. Critics warn of heightened geopolitical risks with Russia and China.