Russia asks US to stop pursuit of tanker

Russia has asked the U.S. to stop pursuing an oil tanker bound for Venezuela that is now fleeing from the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean, the New York Times reported Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter.

U.S. forces have been chasing the tanker, which naval groups have identified as the Bella 1, for nearly two weeks.

The U.S. on Wednesday imposed sanctions on four companies it says operate in Venezuela's oil sector, as well as on related oil tankers, as President Donald Trump's administration increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

(reuters, su)