US Seizes Two Sanctioned Oil Tankers From Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

Summary

Stephanie Baker of Bloomberg News discusses the US seizure of the Russia-flagged tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic and another Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean, describing it as a major escalation in enforcing sanctions on the shadow fleet. She explains the implications for Russian oil revenues and Putin, and later discusses Greenland and Arctic strategic competition as well as Putin's health.

• US seized the Russia-flagged M/V Bella 1 after a chase that began in late December.
• The Bella 1 had been sanctioned in 2024 for carrying Iranian oil and had changed flag and name.
• US Southern Command also seized a Venezuela-linked tanker in the Caribbean, signaling broader enforcement.
• Stephanie Baker says enforcement of shadow-fleet sanctions could further cut Russian oil revenues.
• She says the action is not a one-off and is part of enforcing the Venezuela blockade.
• Greenland and the Arctic are discussed as a new strategic battleground with US, Russian, and Chinese interests.
• Baker says reports of Putin's imminent demise are exaggerated and he has no serious known health issues.