The Trump Administration escalated its Venezuela oil blockade by seizing two tankers in the Atlantic and Caribbean, asserting control over how Venezuelan oil reaches global markets.

One vessel, a Russian-flagged tanker renamed Marinera, was pursued for weeks before being boarded in international waters for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions, while a second stateless tanker, the M Sophia, was also intercepted for illicit activity.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-step plan to stabilize Venezuela, control oil sales, and reintegrate opposition forces, with U.S.-controlled proceeds intended to benefit the Venezuelan people.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated the U.S. would manage Venezuela’s oil flow “indefinitely,” using it to leverage political change and global oil supplies, Time has reported.

Russia condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, though U.S. officials defended the actions, which followed Maduro’s capture in a recent military operation.