US Seizes Two Oil Tankers Linked to Venezuela Sanctions, China and Russia Call it “Bullying”

The United States has seized a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela and a second Venezuela-associated vessel in the Caribbean, according to the US European Command. The move follows a two-week Atlantic pursuit and is part of Washington’s effort to control Venezuelan oil flows.

The Russian-flagged Bella 1 and the fully loaded Sophia tanker are carrying millions of barrels of crude. Sophia is estimated to hold around two million barrels of Merey crude loaded from Venezuela’s Jose Oil Terminal in late December.

President Donald Trump said between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil will be turned over to the US and sold at market value.

Trump has instructed Venezuela to work exclusively with the US on oil exports and cut ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. “This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!” Trump posted on Tuesday.

UK forces assisted in the operation by providing surveillance and logistical support. British Defence Secretary John Healey described the move as part of “global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.”

The seizure has drawn condemnation from China and Russia, who labelled it “bullying.”

“The United States’ brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for ‘America First’ when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a Wednesday press conference.