Russia Slams US Over Seizure of Its Oil Tanker, Says ‘It’s Outright Piracy’
In a strongly worded statement, Russia on Wednesday condemned the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, with a senior lawmaker describing the move as “outright piracy”. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations, with Russia accusing the US of violating international law.
The controversy surrounds the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was taken into custody by the US as part of its efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports. The move is seen as a significant escalation of US sanctions against Venezuela, which have been in place since 2019.
Russia’s Transport Ministry was quick to respond to the seizure, stating that “no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states”. The ministry’s statement emphasized that the seizure of the Marinera was a clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The UNCLOS, to which both the US and Russia are signatories, sets out the rules and regulations governing the use of the world’s oceans. The convention explicitly prohibits the use of force against vessels flying the flag of another state, except in cases where the vessel is engaged in piracy, terrorism, or other illicit activities.
Russian lawmakers were equally vocal in their condemnation of the US move. A senior lawmaker described the seizure as “outright piracy”, emphasizing that the US had no right to interfere with the activities of a vessel flying the Russian flag. The lawmaker’s statement reflects the strong sentiment among Russian officials that the US is overstepping its bounds and violating the principles of international law.
The seizure of the Marinera is the latest episode in a long-running saga of US sanctions against Venezuela. The US has imposed a series of economic sanctions against the South American nation, aimed at crippling its oil industry and forcing the government of President Nicolas Maduro to step down. The sanctions have had a devastating impact on the Venezuelan economy, with widespread shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods.
Russia has been a vocal supporter of the Venezuelan government, and has consistently opposed US attempts to isolate the nation. The seizure of the Marinera is seen as a significant escalation of US efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports, and has sparked concerns about the potential for further conflict between the two nations.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of international law in regulating the activities of nations on the high seas. The US has long been a proponent of the “rules-based order”, which emphasizes the importance of international law and institutions in governing global affairs. However, the seizure of the Marinera suggests that the US is willing to disregard these principles when it suits its interests.
The implications of the incident are far-reaching, and could have significant consequences for global trade and diplomacy. The seizure of the Marinera sets a worrying precedent for the use of force against vessels flying the flag of another state, and could embolden other nations to take similar actions. It also highlights the need for stronger international institutions and more effective mechanisms for resolving disputes between nations.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera by the US is a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, and has sparked a diplomatic row over the use of force against vessels on the high seas. Russia’s strong condemnation of the move reflects its deep concerns about the violation of international law, and the potential for further conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Russia will navigate this complex and sensitive issue.
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