UK forces helped US seize Russian-flagged tanker

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has said that Britain's armed forces supported a US operation to detain the Russian-flagged tanker Bella 1, now known as Marinera, in the North Atlantic on 7 January, including with RAF aircraft.

Source: a statement by Healey quoted by the BBC, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Healey noted that the UK Armed Forces "showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia."

He added that the action was part of global efforts to combat sanctions violations.

"This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine. The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability," Healey said.

Background:

• On 7 January, the United States detained the Russian-flagged tanker Bella 1 (Marinera) after pursuing it from Venezuela. The vessel was detained for violating US sanctions.
• The New York Times reported that the Russian government made a formal diplomatic request that the United States stop its pursuit of the tanker.
• Russia's Ministry of Transport stated that the United States had no right to detain the Marinera.

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