State of the World from NPR U.S. seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker with ties to Venezuela
Jan 7, 2026
Greg Myrie, NPR's national security correspondent, shares thrilling details about the dramatic two-week chase leading to the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker headed for Venezuela. Adrienne Murray, a Copenhagen reporter, discusses the backlash from Danish and Greenlandic leaders regarding Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland. They explore the U.S. strategy behind seizing sanctioned Venezuelan oil and uncover the robust rejection of annexation by Greenlanders. It's a riveting blend of high-seas drama and international relations!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dramatic High-Seas Pursuit
- The oil tanker Bella One fled U.S. forces, changed course to the North Atlantic, and altered its name and flag while being pursued.
- U.S. troops later boarded the ship north of Britain and south of Iceland and are bringing the crew and vessel to the U.S.
Flag Changes As A Tactical Ruse
- The tanker tried to obscure its identity by repainting its name and switching flags from Guyana to Russia mid-voyage.
- Russia later said it granted temporary permission to fly its flag but protested the U.S. boarding under freedom-of-navigation claims.
Russia's Calculated Response
- Russia publicly objected to the U.S. boarding, citing freedom-of-navigation, but avoided direct retaliation.
- Allowing a ship to fly its flag may have been a low-cost way for Russia to signal support to Venezuela without deeper involvement.