Russia Deploys Submarine as U.S.–Venezuela Tanker Standoff Escalates

 

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.

Russia has sent a submarine and additional naval vessels to escort an oil tanker that the United States attempted to seize near Venezuela, escalating an already tense maritime confrontation. The tanker, recently renamed Marinera, was approached by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter as part of Washington’s efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil shipments linked to Venezuela.

Russian officials framed their naval deployment as a protective measure for a vessel they now consider under their jurisdiction. Footage released by Russian media showed the U.S. cutter shadowing the tanker as it continued its voyage after failing to load crude in Venezuelan waters.

The move highlights the growing geopolitical friction surrounding Venezuela’s oil trade, where U.S. sanctions and Russia’s support for Caracas frequently collide. Naval escorts of this nature are rare, and analysts say the involvement of a submarine signals Moscow’s willingness to challenge U.S. enforcement efforts more directly.

As the tanker proceeds across the Atlantic, both nations appear determined to stand firm, raising concerns about further escalation at sea.