US and Russia face off in Atlantic Ocean: Russian submarine deployed to protect sanctioned ship

MOSCOW: A report claims that tension is building between the USA and Russia in the Atlantic Ocean after Russia sent its navy and a modern submarine to protect a ship that the US accuses of carrying oil in violation of sanctions. The oil tanker Marinera is at the centre of the issue. The US had imposed sanctions on the tanker for attempting to transport oil from Venezuela. According to the US, the ship is part of a “shadow fleet” involved in illegal oil trading.

When the ship was anchored near Venezuela, its crew tried to stop US officials who attempted to board it. After this, the ship was moved into international shipping lanes. Later, the Russian flag was painted on the ship, and its name was changed to Marinera. All this was done without any inspection or legal procedures. Soon after, Russia sent its navy and a submarine to provide protection to the ship. The tanker is currently heading towards Murmansk in Russia.

The US military has said it will continue to take action against ships that violate sanctions. However, Russia has demanded that the US stop pursuing what it calls a civilian ship. Sanctions have been imposed on Russia, led by the US, due to the war in Ukraine. The US has also warned countries around the world that strict action will be taken against anyone who buys Russian oil.