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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Russia's Christmas Day Assault on Ukraine: A Grim Reality


On Christmas Day, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, targeting key facilities and causing widespread power outages. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as "inhumane," emphasizing the deliberate timing of the attack to coincide with the holiday. 

The assault involved over 70 missiles and more than 100 drones, with significant damage reported in cities like Kharkiv and Dnipro. Despite Ukraine's efforts to intercept many of the missiles and drones, the attack led to severe disruptions in electricity and heating, leaving many Ukrainians without power in freezing temperatures.

This attack marks the 13th major strike on Ukraine's energy sector this year, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the country. Ukrainian officials have described the strikes as "Christmas terror," highlighting the ongoing threat posed by Russian aggression.

The international community continues to watch closely as Ukraine works to restore power and provide relief to its citizens amid the ongoing conflict.

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