Britain says tanker seizure strengthens trans-Atlantic security

The U.K. government described the U.S. seizure of a Venezuela-linked oil tanker as an example of trans-Atlantic cooperation and noted a U.S. pledge of security guarantees for Ukraine; critics say the action and other U.S. moves are straining relations.

The U.S. seized a Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the North Atlantic and British officials have presented the operation as evidence of close U.K.-U.S. cooperation. London says the action, supported at sea and by air, helps uphold international rules and assists efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil flows heading toward Russia. British leaders also pointed to a U.S. pledge of security guarantees for Ukraine as a related diplomatic outcome. Some commentators and officials, however, say other recent U.S. actions are adding strain to relations between allies. Reported facts: - U.S. officials said the seizure involved the merchant vessel Bella 1 and a second tanker and was part of operations tied to control of Venezuela's oil after Maduro's ouster, as reported. - The U.K. government briefed lawmakers and described its role as providing sea and air support while framing the interception as helping to counter a "shadow fleet" that evades oil sanctions. - British officials noted a U.S. commitment in Paris to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after a future ceasefire, which they presented as a concrete result. - Critics and some analysts said the tanker operation, along with other U.S. moves such as remarks about Greenland, are testing efforts to keep close relations with the U.S. Summary: The U.K. government portrayed the tanker seizure as reinforcing trans-Atlantic cooperation and as linked to broader efforts to support Ukraine; critics said the move and other U.S. actions are creating tension within allied relations. Undetermined at this time.