Russia responds after US seized two Venezuelan oil tankers in Europe and the Caribbean: Live updates

Russia’s Ministry of Transport said that it lost contact with the tanker seized by the US in the North Atlantic as American troops boarded the ship.

The ministry said on December 24, the tanker ‘received a temporary permit to fly the Russian Federation flag, issued in accordance with Russian law and international law.’

Before the seizure, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that it was ‘following with concern the anomalous situation that has developed around the Russian oil tanker Marinera.’

As US troops took over the ship, the transport ministry said the ship was ‘outside the territorial waters of any state’ and ‘contact with the vessel was lost.’

Immediately after, Russian officials cited the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, noting, ‘No state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.’

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the US will determine and regulate ‘lawful energy commerce’ from Venezuela.

‘The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people,’ he wrote on X.

‘Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce – as determined by the US – will be permitted.’

Donald Trump called out NATO in a lengthy Truth Social post Wednesday morning, as the US military confirmed it seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers.

The president said that Russia and China have ‘zero fear of NATO without the United States.’

‘The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!’ he wrote.

Trump added, ‘We will always be there for NATO, even if they won’t be there for us.’

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the US military conducted back-to-back oil tanker seizures in the North Atlantic and Caribbean this morning.

In a post on X, Noem explained that both ships were either last docked in Venezuela or en route to it.

‘One of these tankers, Motor Tanker Bella I, has been trying to evade the Coast Guard for weeks, even changing its flag and painting a new name on the hull while being pursued, in a desperate and failed attempt to escape justice,’ she wrote.

‘The heroic crew of the USCGC Munro pursued this vessel across the high seas and through treacherous storms – keeping diligent watch, and protecting our country with the determination and patriotism that make Americans proud. These brave men and women deserve our nation’s thanks for their selfless devotion to duty.

‘The world’s criminals are on notice. You can run, but you can’t hide. We will never relent in our mission to protect the American people and disrupt the funding of narco terrorism wherever we find it, period.’

A US air force plane was seen leaving at air base in the United Kingdom after the US European Command confirmed the military seized a Venezuela-linked, sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

Daily Mail polling revealed what American voters believe President Donald Trump’s main motivation for military action in Venezuela is.

Donald Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the United States 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion.

The president has openly stated that the military operation to depose leader Nicolas Maduro this past weekend was, in part, an attempt to extract some of oil-rich Venezuela’s stock.

‘I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,’ he posted to Truth Social.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez previously served as Maduro’s Minister of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons.

Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off sales – which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters – of the oil.

‘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!’

The US Southern Command announced it seized a separate oil tanker in the Caribbean on Wednesday morning.

‘In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident,’ US Southern Command wrote on X.

‘The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the U.S. for final disposition.

‘Through Operation Southern Spear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere. We will defend our Homeland and restore security and strength across the Americas.’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the blockade of Venezuelan oil is in ‘full effect,’ after the US military seized an oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

‘The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world,’ Hegseth wrote on X.

US European Command confirmed the military seized a Venezuela-linked, sanctioned oil tanker in the North Atlantic this morning after pursuing it for weeks.

‘The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov, in coordination with the @DeptofWar today announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions,’ US European Command wrote on X.

‘The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court after being tracked by USCGC Munro.

‘This seizure supports @POTUS Proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere. The operation was executed by DHS components with support from @DeptofWar, showcasing a whole-of-government approach to protect the homeland.’

The US military also confirmed it seized a second Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean on Wednesday.

‘In a pre-dawn action this morning, the Department of War, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended a stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker without incident,’ US Southern Command wrote on X.

‘The interdicted vessel, M/T Sophia, was operating in international waters and conducting illicit activities in the Caribbean Sea. The US Coast Guard is escorting M/T Sophia to the US for final disposition.’