Sybiha: US arrest of tanker “Olina” is a strong signal to violators

Washington’s successive steps demonstrate strength and send the right signal to those trying to circumvent sanctions.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed the US’s actions to seize the “Olina” tanker in the Caribbean Sea, which appears to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

“Olina” is the fifth vessel seized by the US in recent weeks as part of increased pressure on sanctioned oil supply schemes, including from Venezuela.

Earlier, US forces intercepted, among others, the Bella 1 tanker (renamed Marinera), which the White House described as a vessel that was merely posing as Russian to avoid responsibility.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that US President Donald Trump allegedly ordered the release of two Russian crew members of the Bella 1. At the same time, Washington emphasizes that violations of sanctions policy and failure to comply with Coast Guard orders entail criminal prosecution, including the possibility of extradition of crew members to the United States.