US says crew of seized Russian tanker will face legal action

The White House has said that the crew of a Russian vessel that evaded the naval blockade around Venezuela will now face legal proceedings following its seizure.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, responding to questions about the seizure of the oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, said the United States would fully enforce all sanctions and that the ship’s crew would now be subject to legal action.

During the press briefing, the White House spokesperson also said that all options remained on the table regarding Greenland, adding that diplomacy was always the preferred first option.

She said the Trump administration was in close contact with Venezuela’s interim authorities, adding that decisions taken by the interim leadership would be in line with US guidance.

She added that the United States was working on an agreement with Venezuela and the American oil industry.

The White House spokesperson further said that chief executives of oil companies would visit the White House later this week and that, if necessary, President Trump had the authority to deploy US forces to protect oil workers.

She described discussions on an election timetable in Venezuela as premature.

It may be recalled that the US Navy and Coast Guard seized a Russian vessel that had evaded the blockade around Venezuela.

According to news agencies, US forces had been tracking the ship for some time and had previously attempted to take control of it.