Russia Slams US over Seizure of its Oil Tanker, says ‘It’s Outright Piracy’
In a move that has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the United States, a Russian-flagged oil tanker was seized by the US in the North Atlantic, prompting a strong reaction from Moscow. The Russian government has condemned the seizure, calling it “outright piracy” and emphasizing that no state has the right to use force against vessels registered in other countries.
The incident involves the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was seized by the US as part of its efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports. The move is seen as a significant escalation of the US sanctions against Venezuela, which have been in place since 2019. The sanctions, imposed by the US Treasury Department, aim to cut off Venezuela’s access to international oil markets and cripple the country’s economy.
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 emphasized that the seizure of the Marinera tanker is a clear violation of international law and norms. A senior Russian lawmaker also weighed in on the issue, calling the US action “outright piracy” and accusing the US of engaging in “unlawful and aggressive behavior.”
The seizure of the Marinera tanker is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of US efforts to exert pressure on countries that refuse to comply with its sanctions. The US has been actively working to disrupt Venezuelan oil exports, which are a crucial source of revenue for the country. The US has also been targeting companies and individuals who do business with Venezuela, imposing fines and penalties on those who fail to comply with its sanctions.
Russia has been a vocal critic of the US sanctions against Venezuela, arguing that they are unlawful and unjustified. Moscow has also been working to help Venezuela circumvent the sanctions, providing the country with economic and military aid. The seizure of the Marinera tanker is likely to further strain relations between Russia and the US, which are already tense due to a range of issues, including Ukraine, Syria, and election interference.
The incident also highlights the risks and challenges associated with the use of economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. While sanctions can be an effective way to exert pressure on countries, they can also have unintended consequences, such as harming innocent civilians and undermining global economic stability. In the case of Venezuela, the US sanctions have had a devastating impact on the country’s economy, leading to widespread poverty, hunger, and migration.
The seizure of the Marinera tanker also raises questions about the rights and responsibilities of states in international waters. Under international law, ships are subject to the jurisdiction of the country in which they are registered, unless they are engaged in activities that pose a threat to the security or environment of other states. The US action against the Marinera tanker appears to be a clear violation of these principles, and is likely to be challenged by Russia and other countries.
In conclusion, the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera by the US is a serious incident that has significant implications for international relations and global governance. Russia’s strong reaction to the incident, calling it “outright piracy,” reflects the country’s deep concern about the US actions and their potential consequences. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the broader context and implications of the US sanctions against Venezuela, and to work towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the dispute.
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