The United States is continually upping the ante, escalating already tight tensions in several regions of the world. Now, the military has attempted to board a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

UPDATE: Since the original writing of this article, U.S. European Command (EUCOM) confirmed on X that the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Department of Defense, seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) for violating U.S. sanctions.

The Russian media outlet RT News has posted footage that appears to show U.S. military forces attempting to board the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera early Wednesday morning in the North Atlantic.

The crew declined to let the American officers aboard and changed course, heading towards the Atlantic. The tanker has been followed by a U.S. warship and aircraft from NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries ever since.

“For reasons unknown to us, the Russian vessel is getting excessive attention from the US and NATO  militaries, clearly disproportionate to its peaceful status,” a ministry representative told Tass.

The photos from the Marinera also captured a military helicopter attempting to land aboard the vessel. Washington claims that the oil tanker is involved in transporting oil from Iran and Venezuela in violation of American sanctions.

U.S. Pursuing A Third Oil Tanker For Seizure

Reuters reported that the U.S. is “attempting” to seize the Venezuela-linked oil tanker after a two-week chase involving a U.S. Coast Guard vessel and surveillance aircraft.

Moscow has reiterated its alliance with Venezuela as the U.S. increases the chances of war.  Russia’s United Nations envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, has said that the US actions in Venezuela are “international banditry.” The US’ open pursuit of “hegemonistic ambitions in Latin America” and its desire to gain “unlimited control over natural resources” only contribute to a resurgence of neo-colonialism and imperialism, Nebebzia claimed.

Russia Sides With Venezuela During Tensions With The U.S.

In December, the U.S. seized an oil tanker that was sanctioned by Washington, and the ruling class seized the oil onboard. This action has been called “international piracy” by political analysts worldwide.

Russia Condemns U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro as “Armed Aggression”

The U.S. is currently dramatically increasing tension all around the globe. What happens next? Let us know what you think! Is the U.S. ruling class starting a war? Leave a comment and start the discussion!