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Sanctioned Oil Tankers Switch to Russian Flags Amidst U.S. Scrutiny

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

More than 15 tankers linked to sanctioned oil switched to the Russian flag in the past two weeks, per The Wall Street Journal.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, 25 tankers changed flags, including 18 reflagged in December.
The U.S. Coast Guard halted an operation to seize the sanctioned tanker Bella 1 after it displayed a Russian flag, complicating efforts to track the vessel.

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Story summary

More than 15 tankers linked to sanctioned oil switched to the Russian flag in the past two weeks, per The Wall Street Journal.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, 25 tankers changed flags, including 18 reflagged in December.
The U.S. Coast Guard halted an operation to seize the sanctioned tanker Bella 1 after it displayed a Russian flag, complicating efforts to track the vessel.