Russia filed a proper diplomatic request that the United States stop pursuing an oil tanker initially certain for Venezuela that has evaded US custody for nearly two weeks, two sources aware of the matter advised NCS.
The demarche despatched to the State Department on New Year’s Eve comes because the vessel, known as the Bella 1, appeared on Russia’s official register of ships underneath a brand new identify.
It is unclear if the diplomatic request, first reported by The New York Times, will halt the US efforts to interdict the oil tanker. The ship was initially headed for Venezuela earlier than turning round to keep away from seizure by the US Coast Guard. President Donald Trump final month declared a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers transiting to or from Venezuela.
Russia’s request comes because the Trump administration continues intense efforts to finish Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine. Trump has spoken twice with Russian President Vladimir Putin previously week.
The White House, State Department and Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, didn’t reply to requests for remark.
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