The News Meeting Why did the US seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker?
8 snips
Jan 8, 2026 Vanessa Thorpe, Arts and Media Editor at The Observer, reflects on the US's upcoming 250th anniversary and its implications for UK-US relations. James Tapper, a geopolitical analyst, discusses the dramatic US seizure of a Russian oil tanker and the shadow fleet's role in circumventing sanctions. Jacob Silverman, journalist and host, dives into Trump's controversial ties with crypto, suggesting that potential corruption could be more significant than Watergate. The trio debates which story deserves the top headline, merging politics, strategy, and ethics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Intercepts Shadow Fleet Tanker
- The US seized a Russian-flagged tanker from the Shadow Fleet in a dramatic boarding operation captured by infrared footage.
- This action could signal the start of enforcement against ghost tankers that keep Russian oil flowing to fund the war in Ukraine.
How The Shadow Fleet Evades Sanctions
- The Shadow Fleet uses reflagging and opaque registries to evade sanctions and insurance, enabling discounted Russian oil sales.
- Recent reflagging back to Russian flags suggests these ships seek Kremlin protection amid increased interdictions.
Recent Reflagging Raises Stakes
- After a US blockade and prior interceptions, 21 ghost ships reflagged as Russian in recent weeks according to tracking firm Wynwood.
- That reflagging moves them under Russian jurisdiction, complicating potential enforcement and raising geopolitical stakes.