Russia formally asked the United States on January 1, 2026, to cease pursuit of the fleeing oil tanker Bella 1, which has claimed Russian protection, while U.S. authorities state the vessel is effectively stateless and subject to boarding, according to a New York Times report published that day and cited in an X post by @FaytuksNetwork between 6:16 PM and 6:45 PM UTC. The New York Times article, shared via X during this 29-minute reporting window, details Russia's diplomatic request amid the tanker's bid for protection following its recent rebranding as Marinera in Russia's shipping registry, as previously reported. U.S. officials maintain the tanker's status allows for boarding, contrasting Russia's position, per the Times report. No official statements from U.S. or Russian authorities were issued directly in the reporting window ending at 6:45 PM UTC.
