Russia floats horror WW3 nuclear threat as US seize tankers - 'Sink American boats'

UK military forces quietly backed a U.S. special forces operation that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, triggering sharp threats from Moscow and escalating already tense relations between Washington and the Kremlin.

The vessel, now known as Marinera and previously called Bella 1, has been linked by U.S. authorities to Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet” a network of tankers accused of skirting international sanctions. Following the operation, a senior Russian lawmaker issued an alarming warning that even nuclear retaliation could be considered under Russia’s military doctrine.

Aleksey Zhuravlyov, first deputy chair of the Russian Duma’s defence committee, described the seizure as an outright act of aggression. He claimed that because the tanker was sailing under the Russian flag, intercepting it was equivalent to attacking Russian territory. In unusually blunt language, he accused the U.S. Navy of piracy and called for a direct military response.

According to Zhuravlyov, Russia should respond forcefully, even suggesting the sinking of American naval vessels. He went further by stating that Russia’s military doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to what he framed as such an attack, particularly given claims that Russian submarines and warships were operating in the same region at the time.

The tanker had already drawn attention weeks earlier when the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board it in the Caribbean. That effort followed a warrant linked to alleged sanctions violations and suspicions that the ship had transported Iranian oil. The boarding attempt failed after the vessel abruptly altered its route, changed its name, and switched its registration from Guyana to Russia a move that raised further red flags.

As the tanker headed toward European waters, the U.S. reportedly intensified surveillance, deploying multiple transport aircraft and helicopters before ultimately carrying out the seizure.

The UK Ministry of Defence later confirmed that British forces played a supporting role in the operation. Officials stated that the UK provided logistical and operational assistance at the request of the United States, emphasizing that the support was carefully planned and conducted within the bounds of international law.

British involvement included naval and air support. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Tideforce assisted U.S. forces during the pursuit and interception, while the Royal Air Force contributed aerial surveillance. Additional support was provided through basing and coordination in the strategically significant UK-Iceland-Greenland gap.

The Ministry of Defence stressed that the operation reflected the close defence relationship between the UK and the U.S., describing it as the deepest security partnership in the world. It also underlined that Britain’s role was strictly “enabling support” and fully compliant with international legal frameworks.

The incident adds another volatile chapter to the ongoing standoff between Russia and Western powers, highlighting how enforcement of sanctions at sea is increasingly becoming a flashpoint with global security implications.