The White House has designated the tanker seized in the Atlantic, the Bella 1, as a "stateless vessel." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the tanker was part of Venezuela's shadow fleet and was transporting sanctioned oil.

"The vessel was deemed stateless after operating under a false flag, and a judicial arrest warrant was issued for it. That is why the crew will be held accountable," Leavitt said.

Russia's Ministry of Transport confirmed that on December 24, 2025, the tanker received temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag. According to their data, US military personnel boarded the vessel around 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, after which contact was lost.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russian citizens were on board and demanded "humane and dignified treatment" from the US. According to The New York Times, the Bella 1 crew consists primarily of citizens from Russia, India, and Ukraine. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the matter.

On the same day, the US detained another tanker—the Sophia—in the Caribbean Sea. According to US Southern Command, the vessel carried no state flag and was "conducting illegal activity." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that both tankers were either heading to Venezuela or had previously docked at Venezuelan ports.

Andrii Sybiha hailed the US actions. "We welcome such approach to dealing with Russia: act, not fear. This is also relevant to peace process and bringing a lasting peace closer," he wrote on social media.