Russia reacted strongly on Wednesday to the seizure on the high seas of a Russian-flagged tanker by American forces, denouncing a “flagrant violation of maritime law” and a “hostile” gesture by Washington.
The episode comes days after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, fueling an explosive diplomatic climate between the two powers.
Moscow denounces “state piracy”
In a released statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States of carrying out “an illegal and provocative act” against the Marineraintercepted in the North Atlantic while carrying crude linked to Venezuela.
Russian politicians took an even tougher tone, calling the boarding “modern piracy” and accusing Washington of “crossing a red line” by attacking a legally registered ship.
According to several Russian media, the navy had dispatched a submarine and support units to the area where the tanker was operating in order to deter any intervention.
The naval presence did not prevent the U.S. Coast Guard from acting on a federal court warrant.
The Kremlin claims to reserve the right to respond, without specifying the nature of the measures envisaged, and demands the immediate release of the crew.
Washington justifies the operation, Caracas protests
American authorities confirm that the Marinera was part of a clandestine export network intended to finance the Maduro government by circumventing sanctions.
Washington announced that it wanted to seize and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, the proceeds of which would be “redistributed to the Venezuelan people”.
In Caracas, loyalist officials denounce an “illegal confiscation of national resources” and increased foreign control.
At the UN Security Council, several countries — including U.S. allies — have expressed concerns about the risk of escalation after Maduro’s capture, now followed by U.S. operations at sea targeting Venezuela’s partners.
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