Moscow Condemns U.S. Action, Cites International Maritime Law
Russia on Wednesday strongly condemned the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean. Moscow called the action illegal and a clear violation of international maritime law. A senior Russian lawmaker went further and described the move as “outright piracy.”
According to Russia’s Transport Ministry, contact with the tanker Marinera was lost after U.S. naval forces boarded it near Iceland. The vessel was operating in international waters at the time of interception. Russian officials said the action breached global rules governing freedom of navigation.
The ministry referred to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It stated that no country has the right to use force against vessels legally registered under another nation’s flag on the high seas. Russia insisted that the tanker was operating within legal maritime frameworks.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded that the United States ensure humane treatment of the ship’s crew. It also called for their immediate and safe return home. State media said Moscow raised the issue through diplomatic channels and expects a prompt response.
Russian Lawmakers Accuse Washington of Piracy
Russian political leaders reacted sharply to the incident. Andrei Klishas, a senior lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, accused Washington of engaging in piracy. He said the seizure followed violent U.S. actions in Venezuela that resulted in dozens of deaths.
Klishas argued that the United States was abusing its military power under the guise of law enforcement. He warned that such actions undermine international norms and global stability. His remarks gained wide attention across Russian media and political circles.
The tanker, previously named Bella-1, had reportedly evaded a U.S. maritime blockade in the Caribbean. It later began sailing under a Russian flag. U.S. authorities claim the vessel was linked to efforts to bypass sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that the Coast Guard and the U.S. military conducted the operation. They said Russian naval vessels, including a submarine, were present in the broader area. However, they denied any direct confrontation between American and Russian forces.
Seizure Tied to U.S. Pressure Campaign on Venezuela
The tanker seizure forms part of a broader U.S. pressure campaign against Venezuela. Washington has intensified efforts to block oil exports tied to Caracas. The move followed a dramatic escalation earlier this month.
On January 3, U.S. special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He was taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which he has denied. Russia condemned the operation and described it as foreign aggression.
Moscow said the seizure of the tanker reflects a dangerous expansion of U.S. power beyond its borders. Russian officials warned that such actions could set a troubling precedent for maritime security.
Relations between Russia and the United States remain strained despite recent diplomatic engagement. Tensions worsened after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Although dialogue has resumed under President Donald Trump’s second term, incidents like this threaten stability.
Russia has reiterated its support for Venezuela’s interim leadership. It vowed to continue backing Caracas against what it described as neocolonial threats. President Vladimir Putin has not yet commented publicly on the tanker seizure.
Global analysts warn that repeated maritime confrontations could raise the risk of miscalculation. They stress the need for adherence to international law to prevent escalation on the high seas.
