Russia Slams US over Seizure of its Oil Tanker, Says ‘It’s Outright Piracy’
In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Russia and the United States, Russia has slammed the US for seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The incident has sparked a heated diplomatic row, with a senior Russian lawmaker calling the seizure “outright piracy”. The Russian government has also issued a strong statement, condemning the US actions and asserting that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.
The controversy surrounds the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was seized by the US as part of its efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports. The US has been imposing sanctions on Venezuela, aimed at crippling the country’s oil industry, which is a key source of revenue for the Venezuelan government. However, Russia has been a vocal supporter of Venezuela, and has been working to help the country circumvent the US sanctions.
The seizure of the Marinera tanker has been widely condemned by Russia, with the country’s Transport Ministry issuing a statement that said, “No state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.” The ministry also emphasized that the tanker was operating in accordance with international law and was not violating any sanctions.
The strongest reaction, however, came from a senior Russian lawmaker, who called the seizure “outright piracy”. The lawmaker accused the US of engaging in illegal activities, and warned that Russia would take all necessary measures to protect its interests and the interests of its citizens.
The diplomatic row between Russia and the US is not new, and the two countries have been at odds over a range of issues, including Ukraine, Syria, and election interference. However, the seizure of the Marinera tanker has brought the tensions to a boil, and has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The US has been trying to block Venezuelan oil exports, as part of its efforts to pressure the Venezuelan government into accepting its demands. However, Russia has been working to help Venezuela circumvent the sanctions, and has been providing the country with significant economic and military aid.
The seizure of the Marinera tanker is seen as a major blow to Russia’s efforts to support Venezuela, and has raised concerns about the potential for further US aggression. Russia has warned that it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests and the interests of its citizens, and has emphasized that it will not be intimidated by US actions.
The incident has also raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict between Russia and the US. The two countries have been engaged in a series of proxy wars and diplomatic battles, and the seizure of the Marinera tanker has raised the stakes.
In a statement, Russia’s Transport Ministry said, “The actions of the US authorities are a gross violation of international law and the principles of freedom of navigation.” The ministry also emphasized that Russia would take all necessary measures to protect its interests and the interests of its citizens.
The US has defended its actions, saying that the seizure of the Marinera tanker was necessary to enforce sanctions against Venezuela. However, Russia has dismissed this argument, saying that the US has no right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states.
The diplomatic row between Russia and the US is likely to continue, with both countries digging in their heels. The seizure of the Marinera tanker has raised the stakes, and has highlighted the deep divisions between the two countries.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and Russia will resolve their differences. However, one thing is clear: the seizure of the Marinera tanker has marked a significant escalation in the tensions between the two countries, and has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Marinera tanker has sparked a heated diplomatic row between Russia and the US. Russia has slammed the US for its actions, calling the seizure “outright piracy” and emphasizing that no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation, and has highlighted the deep divisions between the two countries.
About the Author
