U.S. military seizes Russian-flagged tanker despite Moscow's request

U.S. military forces seized a Russian-flagged tanker on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, despite a request from Moscow to halt the pursuit. The operation took place in international waters, although specific details regarding the location and circumstances of the seizure have not been disclosed.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly concerning maritime operations. The seizure of the tanker has drawn attention to ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the complexities of international maritime law.

For more context on related developments, see our coverage on U.S. forces attempting to seize a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic.