Russia has requested that the United States suspend its pursuit of an oil tanker traveling toward Venezuela, which is reportedly evading the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing two individuals familiar with the matter.
U.S. forces began tracking the tanker nearly two weeks ago. Naval units have identified the vessel as “Bella 1,” according to Reuters.
On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on four companies it said operate within Venezuela’s oil sector, as well as on oil tankers linked to them, as the administration of President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Russia’s formal diplomatic request comes at a time when President Trump is also attempting to mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
The White House, the U.S. State Department, and the Russian Embassy in Washington were not immediately available for comment.
