Russia Condemns US Seizure of Russian Oil Tanker as Violation of International Law
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US military’s seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Mariner, calling it a blatant violation of international maritime law. In an official statement, the ministry emphasized that US authorities had repeatedly been informed about Russia’s ownership of the vessel and its peaceful operations.
Moscow has demanded that Washington immediately halt all unlawful actions against the Mariner and other vessels legally operating in international waters. The statement also called for proper treatment of Russian citizens working aboard the tanker and unimpeded access for their return home.
The Russian government characterized the interception as a clear breach of fundamental principles of international maritime law, expressing concern over Washington’s willingness to provoke serious international crises. This incident follows yesterday’s US seizure of two Venezuela-bound oil tankers in international waters, one of which was Russian-owned, an action widely condemned by various nations as maritime piracy.
