The Just Security Podcast
The Just Security Podcast
Just Security
Can the U.S. Seize Russian Flagged Oil Tankers?
42 minutes Posted Jan 8, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
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Show notes
Prior to the U.S. attacks that dislodged president Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, American forces have for weeks been blockading U.S.-sanctioned ships carrying Venezuelan oil. In mid-December, the United States began boarding, and seizing, tankers in the so‑called “shadow fleet” that move sanctioned oil across the globe, starting with stateless vessels. In a dramatic turn, this week the U.S. Coast Guard, with U.S. and allied military support, intercepted and boarded two Russian-flagged oil tank...