White House says Trump is not afraid of rift with Putin over detention of tankers
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said President Donald Trump is "not afraid" to continue detaining sanctioned oil tankers despite concerns it could raise tensions with Russia.
Source: CNN, citing Leavitt, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Leavitt said that Trump is "going to enforce our policy that's best for the United States of America".
Quote: "That means enforcing the embargo against all dark fleet vessels that are illegally transporting oil."
More details: Leavitt played down the risk that the move could trigger a surge in tension between the US and Russia, arguing that Trump maintains a good relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Quote: "I believe those personal relationships are going to continue."
More details: Leavitt added that Trump has made it clear that detaining sanctioned tankers is "the policy of this administration, and he's not afraid to implement it".
Background:
- Leavitt's comments came hours after the US military took control of two tankers, including a Russian-flagged vessel that it had pursued for more than two weeks.
- Russia's Ministry of Transport stated that the United States had no right to detain the Marinera.
- The New York Times reported that the Russian government made a formal diplomatic request that the United States stop its pursuit of the tanker.
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