In a significant escalation of maritime enforcement actions, United States authorities have intercepted a second Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker this month. The operation, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters on December 20, 2025, represents the latest development in Washington’s ongoing pressure campaign against the government of President Nicolás Maduro.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the seized vessel was transporting petroleum products belonging to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA, which remains under comprehensive U.S. sanctions. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly characterized the shipment as part of Venezuela’s ‘shadow fleet’ allegedly used to circumvent international sanctions and generate illicit revenue for the Maduro administration.
The Venezuelan government has vehemently denounced the seizure as an act of ‘piracy and theft’ in violation of international maritime law. Officials in Caracas have announced their intention to formally challenge the action through multilateral channels, including the United Nations Security Council.
In response to the escalating tensions, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has engaged in diplomatic consultations with international allies. Following a telephone discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Venezuelan government reported that Moscow has committed to providing ‘full cooperation and support’ against what it characterized as U.S. blockade actions. The Russian government additionally expressed backing for Venezuela’s planned recourse to UN mechanisms to address the maritime confrontations.
This incident marks the second such seizure within weeks, following President Trump’s recent announcement of enhanced maritime enforcement measures targeting vessels attempting to evade Venezuelan oil sanctions. The developing situation highlights the continuing geopolitical tensions surrounding Venezuela’s political and economic crisis, with external powers increasingly drawn into the confrontation.