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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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U.S. Envoy Excludes Europe from Ukraine Peace Talks

In a surprising move, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, announced that Europe will not be part of the upcoming peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This decision has sparked concerns among European leaders, who fear being sidelined in discussions that directly impact their security.

The announcement was made during the Munich Security Conference, where Kellogg emphasized that the U.S. would act as an intermediary, with Ukraine and Russia as the primary negotiators. He stated that while European interests would be considered, they would not have a seat at the negotiation table.

European leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision, urging for more involvement in the peace process. Finland's President Alexander Stubb highlighted the importance of European participation in discussions about Ukraine's future and the broader European security structure. Despite these concerns, the U.S. administration remains firm in its stance, prioritizing other global challenges such as border security and countering China.

The exclusion of Europe from the peace talks has raised questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the role of European nations in addressing regional conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.



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