Russia Slams US over Seizure of its Oil Tanker, Says ‘It’s Outright Piracy’
In a strong condemnation, Russia on Wednesday slammed the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, with a senior lawmaker calling it “outright piracy”. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row between the two nations, with Russia accusing the US of violating international law. The seizure of the oil tanker is part of the US efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports, which has been a point of contention between the two countries.
The Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera, was seized by the US authorities in the North Atlantic, sparking a furious response from Moscow. Russia’s Transport Ministry issued a statement, saying that “no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.” The ministry emphasized that the seizure of the tanker was a clear violation of international law and norms.
The US has been trying to block Venezuelan oil exports as part of its sanctions against the South American country. The US has imposed stringent sanctions on Venezuela, citing human rights abuses and authoritarianism. However, Russia has been a key ally of Venezuela, and has been trying to help the country circumvent the US sanctions. The seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker is seen as a significant escalation of the US efforts to enforce its sanctions against Venezuela.
The Russian government has been quick to condemn the US actions, with senior lawmakers and officials denouncing the seizure of the tanker as “piracy”. The chairman of the Russian State Duma’s foreign affairs committee, Leonid Slutsky, said that the US actions were “outright piracy” and a “gross violation of international law”. He emphasized that Russia would take all necessary measures to protect its interests and the interests of its citizens.
The seizure of the oil tanker has also raised concerns about the safety of Russian shipping and trade. Russia’s Transport Ministry has warned that the US actions could have serious consequences for international trade and shipping. The ministry has called on the international community to condemn the US actions and to take measures to protect the rights of Russian shipowners and sailors.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the use of sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. While the US has argued that the sanctions are necessary to promote democracy and human rights in Venezuela, critics have argued that they are having a devastating impact on the Venezuelan economy and people. The seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker has highlighted the risks of sanctions and the need for a more nuanced approach to international relations.
The US has defended its actions, saying that the seizure of the oil tanker was necessary to enforce its sanctions against Venezuela. The US Treasury Department has issued a statement, saying that the tanker was carrying Venezuelan oil and was therefore subject to US sanctions. However, Russia has disputed this claim, saying that the tanker was not carrying any Venezuelan oil and was simply transiting through the North Atlantic.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of international law in regulating international relations. The US has argued that its sanctions against Venezuela are authorized by UN resolutions, but Russia has disputed this claim. The Russian government has emphasized that the US sanctions are unilateral and do not have the support of the international community.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker by the US has sparked a major diplomatic row between the two nations. Russia has condemned the US actions as “outright piracy” and a “gross violation of international law”. The incident has highlighted the risks of sanctions and the need for a more nuanced approach to international relations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Russia will resolve their differences and find a way forward.
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