The United States has announced the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after days of pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard, citing sanctions enforcement linked to global oil trade restrictions. Shortly after, U.S. authorities also intercepted an unflagged hydrocarbon transport vessel in the Caribbean Sea, which is now being escorted to the United States.

Russia has strongly condemned the move, warning that the seizure risks escalating military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region. Moscow says the tanker was on innocent passage in international waters and that Washington was fully aware of its status and destination. Russian officials have demanded the immediate return of the crew and urged the U.S. to avoid actions that could further destabilize global security.