White House Vows to Continue Seizing Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Downplays Risk of Escalating U.S.-Russia Tensions

Odaily News According to White House Press Secretary Levitt on Wednesday, despite concerns that seizing sanctioned oil tankers could escalate tensions with Russia, Trump is "not afraid" to continue seizing these vessels. She told reporters at a press conference: "Trump will implement policies that are most beneficial to the United States. This means enforcing an embargo on all 'shadow fleet' vessels illegally transporting oil." Levitt's remarks came just hours after U.S. forces took control of two oil tankers, including one flying the Russian flag, which the U.S. military had been tracking for over two weeks. She downplayed the risk that this action could heighten tensions between the U.S. and Russia, arguing that Trump maintains a good relationship with Putin.