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 labeling 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 tanker was allegedly carrying oil from Venezuela, which is subject to US sanctions. The seizure of the tanker has been widely seen as a provocative move by the US, which has been trying to strangle Venezuela’s economy through a series of sanctions and trade restrictions.
Russia’s Transport Ministry was quick to respond to the incident, issuing a statement that condemned 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 example of “unlawful and unfounded” interference in the affairs of other nations.
The Russian government’s reaction to the incident has been swift and severe. A senior lawmaker, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that the US action was “outright piracy” and a “gross violation” of international norms. The lawmaker accused the US of trying to exert pressure on Russia and other countries that have maintained diplomatic and economic ties with Venezuela.
The seizure of the Marinera is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger pattern of US aggression against Venezuela, which has been targeted by Washington for its socialist government and close ties with Russia and China. The US has imposed severe sanctions on Venezuela, including a ban on oil exports, which has crippled the country’s economy.
The US action has also been widely criticized by other countries, including China and Cuba, which have accused Washington of trying to impose its will on other nations through coercion and intimidation. The incident has highlighted the deepening divisions between the US and other major powers, which are increasingly at odds over issues such as trade, security, and energy policy.
The seizure of the Marinera has also raised concerns about the safety and security of international shipping. The incident has shown that the US is willing to use force to achieve its objectives, even if it means violating international law and putting the lives of sailors and crew members at risk.
In recent years, the US has been increasingly aggressive in its pursuit of foreign policy objectives, using a range of tactics including sanctions, trade restrictions, and military intervention. The seizure of the Marinera is just the latest example of this trend, which has caused concern and alarm among other countries.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater cooperation and diplomacy between nations. The US and Russia, in particular, need to find ways to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiation, rather than resorting to coercion and aggression. The seizure of the Marinera is a wake-up call for the international community, which must come together to protect the rights and interests of all nations and to promote peace and stability in the world.
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 security. Russia’s strong reaction to the incident is understandable, given the blatant violation of international law and the threat to its sovereignty and interests. The US must be held accountable for its actions, and the international community must come together to condemn this egregious example of “outright piracy.”
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