Russia sends sub to escort tanker pursued by USAFP and AP, WASHINGTON and HAVANARussia sent a submarine to escort an empty oil tanker that the US military has been pursuing and attempting to seize for weeks, US media reported on Tuesday. US officials said the tanker is part of a shadow fleet carrying oil for countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran in contravention of US sanctions. Russia sent “a submarine and other naval assets” to escort the tanker, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed US officials. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier on Tuesday said that it was “following with concern” the US pursuit. The uniformed personnel belonged to the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, it said.

Source: Taipei Times January 07, 2026 16:03 UTC