Why has Trump seized a Russian-linked oil tanker? – The Latest

In this episode, the hosts discuss a significant recent event where the United States seized two oil tankers, including one that was under a Russian flag, raising questions about the implications for US-Russia relations. The seizure, which took place in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, is part of Donald Trump's broader campaign aimed at capturing ships linked to Venezuela, amidst a backdrop of ongoing tensions regarding global sanctions and shipping routes.

The capture of the Russian-flagged ship, identified as Marinaria, marked a historic moment as it was a rare instance where the US boarded a vessel under Russian jurisdiction. The operation was preceded by intense military activity from both the Russian and American sides, indicating the high stakes involved in this action. Analysts suggest that the US's willingness to seize the ship despite potential backlash from Russia signifies a bold stance within Trump's foreign policy agenda.

Russia has condemned the seizure as illegal, although there were no immediate strong reactions from the Kremlin. Experts speculate that President Putin could downplay the incident to maintain a conducive relationship with the Trump administration, especially after losing an ally in Venezuelan leader Maduro. The seizure also reflects efforts from both the UK and US to cooperate on sanctioning ships associated with oil transport to Venezuela amid a complicated geopolitical landscape.

Overall, this episode provides insight into how this risky US operation could potentially strain the previously warm interactions between Trump and Putin, posing critical questions about international relations moving forward.