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, Moscow has strongly condemned the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker by the US in the North Atlantic. The incident has sparked a heated diplomatic row, with a senior Russian lawmaker branding the move as “outright piracy”. The controversy surrounds the detention of the oil tanker Marinera, which was seized by the US as part of its efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.
According to reports, the Marinera was intercepted by the US authorities in the North Atlantic, and its cargo was confiscated. The move is seen as a significant blow to Russia’s interests, as the tanker was carrying a shipment of oil from Venezuela. The US has been imposing stringent sanctions on Venezuela, aiming to cripple the country’s oil industry and undermine the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Russia’s Transport Ministry has issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the US action as a blatant violation of international law. “No state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states,” the ministry said. The statement emphasized that the seizure of the Marinera was a clear breach of the principles of freedom of navigation and the rights of flag states.
The Russian government has long been a vocal critic of US sanctions against Venezuela, which it sees as an attempt to exert pressure on the Latin American country. Moscow has been a key ally of Caracas, providing significant economic and military support to the Maduro government. The seizure of the Marinera has further strained relations between Russia and the US, which have been deteriorating in recent years.
A senior Russian lawmaker, Andrei Klimov, has denounced the US action as “outright piracy”. Klimov, who chairs the Russian Senate’s committee on foreign affairs, said that the seizure of the Marinera was a “gross violation” of international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He warned that the move would have serious consequences for global maritime trade and the stability of the international system.
The US has defended its action, citing the need to enforce sanctions against Venezuela and prevent the circumvention of restrictions on the country’s oil exports. However, the move has been widely criticized by other countries, including China and Iran, which see it as an attempt to exert unilateral pressure on sovereign states.
The controversy surrounding the Marinera has significant implications for global energy markets and the geopolitical landscape. The seizure of the tanker has highlighted the risks of escalation in the conflict between the US and Venezuela, which could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global oil prices.
As the diplomatic row between Russia and the US continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Moscow has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its interests and defend the rights of its citizens and companies. The US, on the other hand, has shown no signs of backing down, insisting that its actions are necessary to enforce sanctions and prevent the spread of “illicit” activities.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera by the US has sparked a major diplomatic controversy, with Russia condemning the move as “outright piracy”. The incident has significant implications for global energy markets, international law, and the geopolitical balance of power. As tensions between Russia and the US continue to escalate, it is essential to monitor the situation closely and assess the potential consequences of this developing crisis.
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