Russia is forming a secret alliance: "Tanker war" escalates, the US will not get a drop of Russian oil
In the "tanker war," Russia has not yet achieved a decisive major victory. However, sources reveal that the situation is about to change soon. The confrontation between Russia and its adversaries at sea is entering a new phase. Moscow is forming a secret alliance to counter the forces that are hijacking the "shadow fleet" tankers, with the core goal being: to ensure the US gets no Russian oil at all.
Recently, the US happily announced that it had seized another (regrettably, "another") tanker identified as part of Russia's shadow fleet.
According to the Pentagon, the latest victim of the US' piracy was the AQUILA II tanker, which flies the Panamanian flag.
The tanker is actually owned by a company from a relevant country. Although the US claims this ship is part of Russia's shadow fleet, it is listed in internal US records as being linked to the Venezuelan government.
AQUILA II is the latest prize for the US in the "tanker war."
This "war" is considered to have started in January this year, when the US arbitrarily seized the Marinera tanker (previously known as Bella 1), with the UK also assisting. The US claimed that the ship was involved in transporting sanctioned Venezuelan and Iranian oil. Just before being hijacked, the ship had raised the Russian flag, but this did not deter the opponents or prevent their plans.
Since then, more ships have been seized:
In the same January, the US seized the M Sophia and Olina, and later the Skipper (previously known as Adisa).
Experts say the most worrying aspect is that the dangerous areas for these "pirate" activities are expanding.
Under the pretext of combating "sanction violations," US warships are not only operating in the Caribbean Sea but have even entered the Indian Ocean.
Is there really nothing that can be done against such aggressors?
Seeing the "hegemon" act this way, its followers are becoming increasingly bold.
The UK has openly stated that it is seeking legal grounds to seize tankers carrying Russian oil in order to sell the oil and use the proceeds to aid Ukraine (the Kyiv regime).
Estonia recently seized a ship heading to Russia, claiming it "was suspected of smuggling," but it turned out to be a big farce: after a thorough inspection, Estonian authorities found no prohibited items and had to release the ship.
But this incident still serves as a dangerous signal:
Even Baltic countries are starting to act recklessly. The "tanker war" is escalating.
"It is currently unclear how to deal with the situation without taking strong measures."
NATO is already practicing future plans to impose a maritime blockade on Russia's Baltic coast, especially Kaliningrad.
It is not difficult to understand that this is a major prelude to a large-scale conflict."
-- warned Alexander Kots, a military journalist from Pravda.
At the same time, there are reports that Russia is preparing to retaliate.
According to sources, Moscow is working with allies to form a coalition to counter the hijacking of tankers.
"Russia is negotiating with multiple major ship registry countries, which are willing to continue helping transport Russian oil."
One of the main goals of the coalition is to cut off the US' access to Russian oil.
Evidently, this coalition will exist in an undisclosed manner.
Major blow to the "shadow fleet": India Coast Guard intercepts three oil tankers
The situation continues to deteriorate.
Western media Bloomberg reported: India seized three tankers suspected of "oil smuggling," all found near Mumbai. It is reported that India is following the steps of the US and the UK in taking action.
It is worth noting that India is a member of the BRICS group.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7605530771856376339/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.