Trump refuses to confirm contact with Putin after US seizes Russian-flagged tanker in Atlantic
Summary
US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit, escalating tensions with Russia and Venezuela, while President Trump refused to confirm contact with Putin.
Key Points
- US forces seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic after a prolonged pursuit.
- President Donald Trump declined to confirm if he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the incident.
- The tanker, originally named Bella 1, was sanctioned for transporting illicit Iranian oil and was not carrying oil at the time of seizure.
- Russia condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, while China criticized it as a serious breach of sovereignty.
