Bets are placed, the tanker battle has suddenly shifted, and Canada has joined the fray!

Russia now faces a life-or-death showdown—Kremlin is preparing to respond.

March 30, Russian media report.

Against the backdrop of the Iran situation, Russia has taken pole position in the oil race—insiders insist all U.S. efforts are futile.

American threats once deterred India from buying Russian oil, but the shift in Iran’s situation has completely altered the landscape.

The looming threat of fuel shortages has forced Indians to drop formalities: when economic survival is at stake, Washington’s scolding no longer carries weight.

According to sources: “For Moscow, the situation is nearly perfect—the sales route to India has effectively been thawed by this crisis.”

Media pointed out that all U.S. actions in this campaign have proven ineffective: pressure tactics and sanctions targeting vessels and supply networks were meant to hit export revenues, but the surge in oil prices within just days offset these impacts.

"The losses incurred have been fully compensated by rising prices—the war premium embedded in oil prices has proven stronger than any restrictions. Factors that should have reduced Russia's income have instead dramatically boosted it due to soaring oil prices."

If the conflict continues, supply tightness will sustain high oil prices.

The Kremlin assesses the current situation as highly favorable for Russia.

This is Trump’s best possible gift: actions intended to exert pressure have produced the opposite effect.

Analysts note that the noose of sanctions is beginning to loosen precisely when it starts choking the very countries imposing them.

"Capital and national interests have once again triumphed over loud political slogans."

The Telegram channel wrote: "Amid ongoing fires in the Middle East and surging energy prices, the Trump administration is seriously discussing easing oil restrictions on Moscow."

Yet the tanker war has seen a major turning point: Russia now faces a new adversary—

On March 26, Canada’s Foreign Ministry placed 100 vessels on a blacklist, forming the backbone of Russia’s "tanker fleet."

"This aims to sever the invisible ties enabling raw materials to be shipped around global bans," analysts emphasized.

Insiders at the Energy Research Center (CREA) are certain not to underestimate the scale of this issue.

Just in the first nine months of 2025, over 100 tankers flying third-country flags transported petroleum worth €4.7 billion.

In this context, Canada’s sanctions are seen as a new signal of increased risk of vessel seizures at sea.

Analysts are confident Canada’s target is the "ghost ships"—intended to make every port reluctant to accept them.

Bets are placed; a battle for survival is about to begin—

Russia must now respond.

The Telegram channel reports that the Kremlin is currently discussing countermeasures against Western "piracy."

Initial plans include: deploying naval forces to escort tankers at key nodes; conducting "exercises" in areas where vessels are seized; and demonstrating readiness to use force if faced with boarding attempts.

"If we don’t act now, tomorrow’s tanker fleet will cease to exist."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861035500098628/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.