🇷🇺🇮🇷 The oil tanker formerly known as Bella 1, now renamed Marinera and registered in Russia’s maritime database, is fleeing the U.S. Coast Guard in the Atlantic after trying to pick up Venezuelan oil. The vessel’s new Russian registration complicates U.S. efforts to seize it.…
— WorldBriefDaily (@WorldBriefDaily) January 1, 2026
Another militaristic action has been taken by the United States:
US forces dramatically seize Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic
January 7, 2026
An oil tanker linked to both Russia and Venezuela has been seized by US forces in the Atlantic, it has been reported.
Footage circulated by Russian news outlet RT shows a military helicopter hovering over the vessel, but this has not yet been verified.
Marinera, formerly called Bella-1, is under US sanctions, and has spent at least two weeks attempting to evade a US blockade near Venezuela. …
It holds such importance to the Kremlin that it deployed a submarine and other vessels to escort it across the Atlantic.
The ship began its journey in Iran and was bound for Venezuela to pick up oil, part of the so-called shadow fleet that moves oil for Russia, Iran and Venezuela despite mounting US and allied sanctions.
After it left the Caribbean, its name was changed from Bella-1 to Marinera, and it adopted the Russian flag.
Further data from TankerTraffic shows the vessel making a sudden turn southbound, also slowing down. https://metro.co.uk/2026/01/07/us-forces-attempting-seize-russian-flagged-tanker-marinera-atlantic-26130727/
U.S. seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after weekslong pursuit
January 7, 2026
The sanctioned ship, which changed its name from the Bella 1 to the Marinera, was “seized in the North Atlantic pursuant to a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court,” the U.S. military said Wednesday. …
The operation launched Wednesday, according to two U.S. officials, was led by the Department of Homeland Security with support from the U.S. military. …
It emerged as a new flashpoint between Washington and Moscow and threatened to undermine the Trump administration’s blockade of the Latin American country. The Kremlin, a strong supporter of the Maduro regime, criticized what it said was “disproportionate” U.S. attention on the tanker.
It was one of a number of sanctioned oil tankers operating near Venezuela that have recently changed their flags to Russia. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/venezuela/us-seize-russia-flagged-oil-tanker-bella1-marinera-venezuela-rcna252738
This move will increase tensions between the USA and Russia.
Last Summer, Protestant writer Michael Snyder wrote:
Threatening The Russians With An Ultimatum Will Backfire Severely And Will Set The Stage For Nuclear War
July 14, 2025
So is this how it all ends? I don’t even know how to describe the emotions that I am feeling right now. …
Now a conflict in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war for real. I feel like I am watching a slow-motion train wreck happen without any way to stop it. It really is quite a sickening feeling. …
We have a very limited window of opportunity to make peace with the Russians, and we are totally blowing it.
In February, I specifically warned that President Trump must not resort to threatening the Russians over the war in Ukraine because it would backfire severely.
When I woke up today, I learned that is exactly what Trump has decided to do.
Trump has issued a very ominous ultimatum. If Russia does not end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, the U.S. will impose “very severe tariffs” on all nations that do business with Russia. In addition, Trump has approved a massive new weapons package for Ukraine…
This isn’t going to end the war.
It is just going to make it even worse. … In my new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next”, I specifically warn about war with Russia https://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/threatening-the-russians-with-an-ultimatum-will-backfire-severely-and-will-set-the-stage-for-nuclear-war/
No, the United States was not then, and is not now, on the verge of a nuclear war with Russia.
While Michael Snyder is often an interesting writer and likes to touch on prophetic matters, his long-term insistence over the years that a massive nuclear war against the USA by Russia is wrong.
Jesus warned of “wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6). That is consistent with what we have been seeing in the world today. But such conflicts are not WWIII–even if Russia were to drop one or more nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Various ones in the USA and elsewhere fear the possibility of World War III with Russia.
Notice something I posted here last Summer:
Yet, Russia and the USA are not about to get into a war to try to militarily destroy each other because of Ukraine. There could be more skirmishes, but no, not a battle over Ukraine with each nation aggressively trying to destroy the other. The USA and Russia possess enough weapons of mass destruction that they could, in theory, destroy the whole world if they got in a large enough battle.
Despite the view of various Protestant prophecy watchers (many of which misunderstand the timing of the prophecies in the 38th chapter of Ezekiel), the USA is not prophesied to be destroyed by Russia.
However, I do feel that Russia will one day assist the coming European Beast power, who will destroy the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39). …
Yet, none of this means that there cannot be military conflict between the USA and Russia now (and there may be some). (Thiel B. After Trump’s latest moves, is Russia about to nuke the USA to start WWIII? Are Germans looking to get nuclear bombs? COGwriter, July 15, 2025)
What has been happening today is consistent with the “skirmishes” and “military actions” I have long said could happen (see also 2022 post: I365: Right before Messiah, US will fight Russia and China will capitalize, rabbinic “prophecy” reveals’ COGwriter: No, that is not what the Bible teaches).
Below is something that the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote decades ago, during the time of the old Soviet Union, in an article titled Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States:
For decades now, the prospect of war between Russia and the United States has continually heightened and lessened.
Many who claim to be authorities on prophecy assure people a war involving Russia and the United States, Canada and England is prophesied in Ezekiel 38.
The United States, Britain and other democracies of north-western Europe, they recognize, are nations descended from the lost Ten Tribes. Therefore, they conclude, the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 foretells a military invasion of the North American continent from the Soviet Union. But this is not what prophecy says…
But this very fact – that this invasion will not come until after the Second Coming of Christ – will seem preposterous to many, at first thought.
That is because we have been accustomed merely to assume things that are not true. We have blindly assumed that when Christ comes, there will be no opposition. Every person and power on earth, we have thought, will simply submit meekly and instantly to him and his power. But that is not true!
Some gentile nations understandably shall not submit until forced to. The final restoration of the Roman Empire shall be subdued and conquered at a battle commonly called “Armageddon.” But the populous nations of Eurasia that the Almighty God up to this point has not dealt with shall still have to be brought to submission.
“Gog” Identified “Gog in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol’sk.Notice the allies who come with them in this future battle. You will find “Gomer” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech” “Tubal” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the Eurasians. Ethiopia and Phut (mistranslated Libya) are descended from Ham.
Therefore, this prophecy of Ezekiel 38 shows who shall finally succeed in marshaling peoples of each major race into a gigantic invasion upon our people.
When God begins to rule the world, through Christ – with His chosen people restored to prosperity in the land of Israel, the very center of the land surface of the earth (verse 12, Moffatt translation) – this, great Eurasian union of nations shall finally be tempted to use their mighty air force. (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, article).
Some Bible scholars assert falsely that these prophecies of Ezekiel were fulfilled anciently. They never were. Others believe they are about to occur but some years before Armageddon. Both views are erroneous. The events of Ezekiel 38 and 39 are without question still future – for the “latter days” (38: 16) and “latter years” (38:8). Moreover, Ezekiel 38:14 describes the time setting as being “in that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely.” This is certainly not the situation in the State of Israel to- day! The Israel described by Ezekiel is a nation that dwells in security, in unwalled villages, totally unprepared for war (38:8, 11, 14). Read it for yourself! (Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States. WCG booklet)
Ezekiel 38 is for the distant future–after the millennium (cf. Revelation 20:7-9; see also Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day?; a related video is also available titled Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?).
Yet, what Russia is doing is leading to WWIII, but just in a way many have not realized. USA actions against Russia are a prelude that I believe will encourage Russia to one day TEMPORARILY support the coming European King of the North Beast power.
Over 45 years ago, the Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, the late Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote:
What Russia is doing will be the spark to bring the heads of nations in Europe together with the Vatican to form a “United Nations of Europe.” The politicians cannot do this by themselves. Only with the collaboration of the Pope can they do it.
Russia will move slowly—but will keep moving! Other nations and events will move FASTER! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, January 23, 1980)
Yes, Russian actions in Ukraine have mainly pushed European nations closer together.
What has been happening in Ukraine, as well as with the USA and Donald Trump, has been a wake-up call for the Europeans.
What will happen?
Europe will spend more on its military. Its leaders keep saying so and are taking steps.
Europe will become a militarily successful power (cf. Revelation 13:3-4), with a great army (Daniel 11:25), and many ships (Daniel 11:40).
The Europeans are arming and uniting more because of Russia’s conflict as well as because of concerns about Donald Trump and the United States.
There has been more unity in Europe–less want to leave the EU–and more are supporting increased military spending. Russia’s ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine and the devastation Ukraine has faced has persuaded more in Europe that they are better off united and not separate–Ukraine was not, and is not, a member of the European Union.
The arming and semi-unity by the Europeans will lead to WWIII!
This will be the end of the USA and its British-descended allies consistent with Daniel 11:39.
The biblically-prophesied destruction is from a European power, called the King of the North, which borders the Great Sea (Daniel 7), not Russia that does not.
Related to WWIII and Russia, we have the following video:
Nuclear WWIII from Russia?
Are we close to a nuclear third world war? Is Russia’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine the start of WWIII? what did Ukrainan Defense Minister Guido Crosetto say related to WWIII? Does Ezekiel 38 involves Russia? Are certain Protestant writers correct that it is for our day and that Russia will launch a massive nuclear attack against the USA? Did Herbert W. Armstrong say that Russia would not attack the USA? Is a direct military skirmish between the USA and Russia possible? If the Bible does discuss the destruction of the USA, is this from a power that borders the Mediterranean sea according to biblical prophecies in the books of Revelation and Daniel? Why has the military devastation in Ukraine been a “wake-up call” for Europe? Has Europe been taking military steps? Is Europe prophesied to dominate the world? Are there biblical prophecies pointing to Europe being attacked by Russia? Does the Bible describe anything that sounds like nuclear devastation? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these matters.
Here is a link to the video: Nuclear WWIII from Russia?
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe? Here is are links to related videos: European history and the Bible, Europe In Prophecy, The End of European Babylon, and Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European? Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: El Fin de la Babilonia Europea.
The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17 Could the European Union be the sixth king that now is, but is not? Here is a link to the related sermon video: European Union & 7 Kings of Revelation 17:10.
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. Here is a link to a related sermon in the Spanish language: ¿Deben los Diez Reyes gobernar sobre diez naciones? A related sermon in the English language is titled: Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here are links to two related videos: The King of the North is Alive: What to Look Out For and The Future King of the North.
Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon; When Will the End of the Age Come?; Rise of the Prophesied King of the North, and Christian Persecution from the Beast; and WWIII and the Coming New World Order.
Unintended Consequences and Donald Trump’s Presidency: Is Donald Trump Fulfilling Biblical, Islamic, Greco-Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and other America-Related Prophecies? Is Donald Trump going to save the USA or are there going to be many disastrous unintended consequences of his statements and policies? What will happen? This is a free eBook.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2026, 2027, or 2028? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? A short video is available titled: Countdown to the Great Tribulation.