White House Dismisses Fears That Tanker Seizure Could Worsen U.S.-Russia Relations

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a Jan. 7 briefing, did not respond directly to a question about whether the seizure of the Russian-registered tanker Marinera risks a larger conflict with Russia. Referring to the ship by its prior name, Bella 1, she said the crew may be prosecuted in the U.S., adding that the U.S. was now escorting the ship for “final disposition.” The Hill notes that the U.S. ignored Russia’s request to stop chasing the ship after it claimed Russian protection. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the Jan. 7 seizure showed that the “blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT—anywhere in the world.” This, despite the fact that the Marinera had turned away from Venezuela before taking any cargo onboard.