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US
US-Seized Tanker Linked to Russian Firm, Owner Tied to Crimea
The Bella 1, later renamed Marinera, was transferred to Burevestmarin, a company registered in Russia’s Ryazan region and owned by Russian businessman Ilya Bugai, who hails from occupied Crimea.
Jan. 8, 2026
Venezuela
Venezuela: What Comes Next?
Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, has been sworn in as interim president in the parliament in Caracas.
Jan. 8, 2026
US
‘Act, Not Fear’: Kyiv Praises US Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha praised the Jan. 7 US-led seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker evading Venezuelan oil sanctions, commending Trump’s approach of “act, not fear.”
Jan. 8, 2026
Russia
US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker Sailing Under Russia’s Flag
Washington’s seizure of the Marinera – with UK military support – threatens to further strain US relations with Russia in the wake of Trump’s shock announcement of US military action in Venezuela.
Updated: Jan. 7, 2026
US
US About to Seize Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela
A shadow fleet tanker, Russian naval escorts and a US seizure attempt near Iceland highlight how sanctions enforcement, energy politics and great-power rivalry are colliding at sea.
Jan. 7, 2026
US
US Moves to Seize Venezuela-Linked Oil Tanker as Russia Watches
The vessel, originally Bella‑1 and now renamed Marinera under a Russian flag, had slipped past a US maritime “blockade” of sanctioned tankers last month by dramatically changing course and reflagging.
Jan. 7, 2026
US
ANALYSIS: Fiona Hill’s 2019 Remarks on Russia – Venezuela Deal Gain New Relevance
Hill’s testimony about a proposed Russia-Venezuela-Ukraine trade is resurfacing as Washington’s move against Maduro sharpens debate over spheres of influence and the erosion of a rules-based order.
Jan. 7, 2026
UN
After Maduro’s Capture, Russia Pleads for ‘Respect for International Legal Norms’
“Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive external interference,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said, now deciding to wave around the UN Charter.
Jan. 7, 2026
Russia
Russia Backs Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s Interim President After ‘Foreign Armed Aggression’
Although Moscow has called for Maduro and Flores’ release, it has refrained from taking any direct action following the US operation against one of its closest allies.
Jan. 6, 2026
US
ANALYSIS: Russia Loses Ally in Venezuela, Sees Opportunity in Trump’s ‘Wild West’ Realpolitik
As Washington reasserts power in its hemisphere with the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Russian elites debate whether the loss of an ally is a setback – or proof that spheres of influence are back.
Jan. 6, 2026
Venezuela
Venezuela’s Deposed Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Insists Still President
Uncertainty prevails about what will follow the US ouster of Venezuela’s Maduro.
Jan. 6, 2026
Trump
Where’s Next? Trump Eyes New Targets After Venezuela
Trump’s rhetoric became a reality when US troops entered Venezuela last week, possibly not for the last time.
Jan. 5, 2026
Zelensky
Zelensky Prepares for Paris Talks as Europe Reels From US Military Action in Venezuela
After weeks of negotiation, the US-led peace negotiations are approaching their climax – days after Trump upended the international order with his “capture” of Venezuela’s president.
Jan. 5, 2026
Poland
Tusk Says Europe ‘Must Stay United’ as Danes Warn Trump Is ‘Serious’ About Taking Greenland
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that Europe is “finished” if it does not stay united as his Danish counterpart warned that “everything stops” if the U.S. attacks Greenland.
Jan. 5, 2026
US
Russia Floated Venezuela-for-Ukraine Deal to Trump – Ex-Advisor
In her 2019 Congress testimony, Trump’s former advisor Fiona Hill said Russia floated the idea of a deal to swap Venezuela for Ukraine via informal communications.
Jan. 5, 2026