President Trump's actions in Venezuela also are causing unease in Western nations and giving the Kremlin fresh talking points to defend its war in Ukraine.

As the U.S. ramps up pressure on ships transporting Venezuelan oil, it also seized a Russian-flagged tanker. Experts predict more seizures in the days ahead.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture by the United States has deprived Vladimir Putin of an ally and could increase U.S. "oil clout", but Moscow is eying potential gains from President Donald Trump's division of the world into spheres of influence.

Despite a close relationship with Caracas stretching back for decades, Russia has been reserved in its response to the U.S. attack on Venezuela.

The U.S. striking Venezuela and capturing its leader has practical implications for China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, and it also sends messages to each nation.

After a weekslong chase across the Atlantic, the U.S. took over the Bella 1 in an operation that defied Russian warnings.