In a significant escalation of maritime tensions, Russia has launched a sharp diplomatic protest against the United States, accusing it of illegally using military force against a civilian oil tanker in international waters. The incident, involving the vessel named Marinera, has prompted Moscow to warn of rising military and political instability in the Euro-Atlantic region.
Moscow's Allegations of Maritime Violations
On Thursday, January 8, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning the actions of US armed forces. According to Moscow, on January 7, US military personnel boarded and seized the civilian tanker Marinera while it was peacefully transiting the North Atlantic en route to a Russian port.
The ministry declared this action a "gross violation of fundamental principles and norms of international maritime law." It stressed that the exclusive jurisdiction over vessels on the high seas belongs to the flag state, with exceptions only for extreme cases like piracy, which did not apply here.
Dispute Over Flag Status and Jurisdiction
Russia provided specific details to counter potential US justifications. It stated that the Marinera had been temporarily authorised to fly the Russian flag on December 24, in full compliance with international and Russian law. Russian officials asserted that Washington had been repeatedly informed of the vessel's legal status.
"There could have been no doubt regarding this fact, nor any basis for alleging that the tanker was sailing 'without a flag' or 'under a false flag,'" the Russian statement emphasized. Moscow added that any inspection would have required its consent, which it had explicitly refused, and that it had formally protested a prolonged pursuit by the US Coast Guard.
Crew Safety, Sanctions, and Warnings of Escalation
Beyond legal arguments, Russia raised serious concerns for the multinational crew's welfare, calling their detention unacceptable and dangerous. It accused US forces of endangering both the crew and the environment by conducting an unsafe armed seizure in severe weather.
The Foreign Ministry outright rejected the US's reference to its domestic sanctions laws as a justification, labelling such unilateral measures illegitimate under international law. It also dismissed US suggestions linking the seizure to enforcement against Venezuela as "profoundly cynical" and evidence of Washington's "neo-colonial ambitions."
In a grave warning, Russia stated the incident lowers the threshold for using force against civilian shipping and could lead to a further escalation of tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region. It implicated the United Kingdom, alleging London's participation in what it called a pattern of "maritime predation."
Russia's Demands and the Path Forward
Moscow has called on Washington to immediately halt all unlawful actions against the Marinera and other civilian vessels. It demanded the US return to established norms of international maritime law, ensure humane treatment of all crew members, and facilitate the swift return home of Russian citizens on board.
This confrontation over the Marinera tanker adds a new, volatile dimension to the already strained relations between Russia and the West, with potential ripple effects for global maritime security and diplomatic stability.
