Russia Sends Submarine to Protect Oil Tanker Pursued by the United States

Russia has sent a submarine along with other naval vessels to protect the controversial tanker “Bella-1.” As a result, “Bella-1” has become a new focal point of tension between the United States and Russia. The tanker has been trying to evade pursuit by the United States for the past two weeks.

Having failed to load oil, it is now heading into the Atlantic empty.

The US Coast Guard is tracking the vessel in an effort to prevent the transportation of so-called “illegal oil.” Last December, when US forces attempted to board Bella-1, the ship’s crew resisted. Following that, they painted the Russian flag on the vessel, changed its name to “Marinera,” and transferred its registration to Russia.

Experts say Russia is concerned because the United States is intercepting tankers transporting illegal oil worldwide, which could affect Russia’s economy. Therefore, Russia made the unusual decision to register the tanker in Russia without any inspection or formalities.

On Tuesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was observing the situation with concern. The White House has not commented on the matter, but US Southern Command stated that it is “prepared to take action against sanctioned vessels and activities.”

The vessel is currently heading toward the eastern Atlantic. Russian media outlet RT released a video showing the US Coast Guard following the tanker.

When the United States began tracking the Bella-1 tanker, the ship was not flying any country’s flag. According to the White House, there was also a judicial seizure order against the vessel. The United States has said that it has sanctioned Bella-1.

It is alleged that the tanker was transporting Iranian black-market oil on behalf of a US-designated terrorist organization linked to Tehran.

Experts say the vessel’s new Russian registration has now made US operations more complicated. Under international law, once a ship is legally registered in a country, it receives protection under that country’s flag.

The United States has already seized two large oil tankers—Skipper and Century—as part of efforts to stop illegal oil transportation. Officials have said more tankers may be seized. According to experts, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions have led to a rapid increase in the global “dark fleet,” or covert tankers. This fleet consists of more than a thousand tankers whose ownership is unknown and which lack Western insurance.

Many tankers are using deceptive tactics to conceal oil transportation. They turn off radio signals and transfer oil to other vessels in areas with limited surveillance. Experts say most of these tankers are more than 15 years old. The Kremlin has not yet commented on the issue. However, it has denied the allegations and described Western sanctions as illegal.