Moscow: Russia on Thursday described the US' seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, previously known as M/V Bella 1, in the North Atlantic Ocean as a 'gross violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international maritime law.' A statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry termed the seizure an 'illegal military action' by the US, emphasizing that the Marinera had temporary permission to fly the Russian flag on December 24 and was "innocently passing through international waters" en route to a Russian port.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that US authorities had been repeatedly informed of the vessel's 'Russian identity and its civilian, peaceful status.' The ministry asserted that there was no basis for claims that the tanker was sailing 'without a flag' or 'under a false flag.' The statement highlighted that international maritime law grants exclusive jurisdiction to the flag state over vessels on the high seas, and Russia had not consented to the US actions, even formally protesting the pursuit.
The Russian statement further criticized the US for considering its own "sanctions legislation" as a justification for the seizure, rejecting any legal action against the vessel's crew as 'categorically unacceptable.' It also dismissed suggestions from US officials that the seizure was part of a strategy to control Venezuela's natural resources, labeling such claims as 'extremely cynical' and 'neocolonialist.'
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over Washington's actions, suggesting they could escalate military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region. The statement called on the US to comply with international maritime navigation norms and immediately cease its actions against the Marinera and other vessels engaged in legitimate activities.
On Wednesday, US forces announced the seizure of the Marinera for 'violations of US sanctions.' White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the tanker was part of Venezuela's "shadow fleet" and was transporting oil under US sanctions. She stated the vessel was deemed "stateless" after sailing under a "false flag," leading to a judicial seizure order. Leavitt indicated that the crew might face prosecution for any federal law violations and could be brought to the US for legal proceedings if necessary.