The?U.S. has been asked by Russia to stop its pursuit of a?oil tanker 'that was destined for Venezuela and is now fleeing the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a report from Thursday’s New York Times. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing a?oil tanker? that was en route to Venezuela, but has now fled the U.S. American forces?have been pursuing the oil tanker that maritime groups identified as 'the Bella 1' for?almost 2?weeks.

The U.S. on Tuesday

Sanctions are imposed

The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

Russia has made a formal diplomatic request, as Trump also seeks a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

The White House, U.S. Department of State, and the?Russian embassy were not available to comment immediately. Reporting by Karen Brettell, New York; Editing by Scott Malone and Nick Zieminski

(source: Reuters)