Shadow fleet tanker escapes from the US: painted a Russian flag and heads to Murmansk.

According to ТСН: The crew of the tanker, which belongs to the so-called shadow fleet and transports sanctioned oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, provoked by painting a Russian flag on board. This was done to avoid being captured by the US Coast Guard.

The tanker Bella 1 attempted to evade interception by American forces in the Caribbean Sea, heading to Venezuela for oil. According to American officials, the crew of the tanker decided to present the vessel as Russian in an attempt to escape more easily.

The tanker has been under US sanctions since last year for transporting Iranian oil, which is believed to be used to finance terrorism. According to available information, the vessel has changed course, possibly heading towards Greenland or Iceland. The last time the Bella 1 transponder was active was on December 17, so the further route of the vessel remains unknown.

The Coast Guard attempted to stop the Bella 1 after it was discovered that the tanker was not flying a national flag, which grants the right to inspection under international law. However, the vessel ignored the demands and continued its course. American forces pursued it, but after the appearance of the Russian flag, they abandoned the attempt to capture it.

Comment from an international expert

This incident was commented on by journalist-internationalist, political analyst, and blogger Ivan Yakovina.

"An incredible story that is outrageously little talked about right now: US military ships have been pursuing the shadow fleet tanker 'Bella 1' for a week (!) as it headed to Venezuela without any flag. The tanker refused (!) to stop in response to the US authorities' demand, turned around, and is now racing full speed from the Caribbean Sea 'toward Iceland,' — writes the expert.

In his commentary, he suggested that the tanker might actually be heading for the port of Murmansk.

"The tanker crew managed to paint a huge Russian tricolor on it, yet for some reason, the US military cannot seem to muster the will to stop it by force. As you understand, not every captain of a regular tanker can be so bold as to give the middle finger to the US Navy, refuse to obey its orders, and head for Murmansk," the journalist reflects.

However, according to information from the New York Times, the tanker is empty, Yakovina speculates that there may be something illegal on board, possibly weapons from Russia for Venezuela.

"But explaining the cowardly inaction of the American military sailors is difficult. The only thing that comes to mind is a direct order from Trump, who is desperately avoiding any confrontation with Putin right now. If that is the case, then we are once again witnessing the indecent weakness of character and incredible cowardice of the current American president," the expert concluded.

Earlier, there were reports that the US had seized the tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

This incident exacerbates the situation surrounding international sanctions and maritime confrontations. On one hand, we can see the shadow fleet continuing to operate under restrictions, while on the other – the possible reluctance of the US to take active actions in cases related to Russia. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop and its consequences for international politics.