Moscow accused the United States on Thursday of “provoking tensions and threatening international navigation” by seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic Ocean yesterday, Wednesday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry considered that the move “will only lead to further military and political tension,” expressing concern over “the readiness Washington shows to cause international crises.”
Moscow strongly criticized the United States yesterday, Wednesday, for detaining the oil tanker. The Russian Ministry of Transport said in a statement: “According to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against ships duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states.”
Moscow demands Washington secure the “prompt return” of the Russian tanker’s crew members
The Russian ministry added that the ship, which changed its name from “Bella-1” to “Marinera,” obtained a “temporary permit” to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, noting that “contact with the ship was lost” after U.S. Navy forces boarded it “on the high seas, outside the territorial waters of any state.”
Moscow demanded that Washington secure the “prompt return” of the Russian tanker’s crew members. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, “Given the information received regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew members, we demand that the United States guarantee humane and dignified treatment, full respect for their rights and interests, and not hinder their prompt return to their homeland.”
The Russian authorities did not specify the number of their citizens among the crew of the tanker, which Washington had pursued from off the coast of Venezuela.
The United States announced the seizure of a Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, as part of the blockade Washington imposes on oil tankers linked to Venezuela. This came shortly after American press reports about Moscow sending a submarine to escort it.
For its part, the British Ministry of Defence stated that it provided “operational” assistance to the United States in gaining control over the Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, which American forces had been pursuing for days.
Moscow
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, with its history dating back to its first recorded mention in 1147. It grew around the Moscow Kremlin, a historic fortress that has long been the seat of Russian political power, and has served as the capital of various Russian states for centuries. The city is a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub, home to iconic sites like Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, with its current government established by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global power, with a history significantly shaped by westward expansion, immigration, and civil conflicts over issues such as slavery and civil rights.
Washington
Washington, D.C., is the capital city of the United States, founded in 1790 and named after the nation’s first president, George Washington. It is renowned for its iconic neoclassical monuments and federal buildings, such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol, which house the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government.
North Atlantic Ocean
The North Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of Earth’s five oceanic divisions, formed by the rifting of the supercontinent Pangaea over 180 million years ago. It has been a crucial corridor for exploration, trade, and cultural exchange throughout human history, most notably during the Age of Discovery and the transatlantic crossings.
Russian-flagged oil tanker
The Russian-flagged oil tanker is a vessel registered under the Russian Federation’s maritime laws, used for the large-scale transport of crude oil or petroleum products. Such tankers have played a significant role in global energy markets, particularly in exporting Russian hydrocarbons, with their operational history becoming increasingly intertwined with international sanctions and geopolitical tensions following events like the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry
The Russian Foreign Ministry is the government body responsible for managing Russia’s international relations and diplomatic affairs. It was originally established in 1802 by Emperor Alexander I as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire. Today, its headquarters are located in Moscow’s iconic Stalinist-era building on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square.
Russian Ministry of Transport
The Russian Ministry of Transport is a federal executive body responsible for state policy and regulation in transport systems, including air, rail, road, sea, and inland waterway transport. It was established in its modern form following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, inheriting and restructuring the functions of earlier Soviet transport authorities to manage the infrastructure of the world’s largest country.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing all ocean space, its uses, and resources. Adopted in 1982 after decades of negotiation, it defines maritime zones, navigational rights, and responsibilities for environmental protection and resource management. It is often described as the “constitution for the oceans.”
Bella-1
Bella-1 is a Soviet-era deep underground research laboratory, originally established in the 1970s for geophysical and neutrino research. Located within the former Baksan Neutrino Observatory in Russia’s Caucasus Mountains, it was part of a major scientific complex designed to study fundamental particles deep beneath the Earth’s surface to shield experiments from cosmic radiation.
Marinera
The Marinera is a traditional Peruvian dance that originated from coastal regions, blending indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Its history traces back to colonial times, evolving from dances like the *zamacueca* into a stylized courtship performance characterized by elegant movements and handkerchief play. It is recognized as a symbol of Peruvian cultural heritage and is celebrated annually in competitions and festivals.
U.S. Navy
The United States Navy was established in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War and is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces responsible for naval warfare and power projection. It has grown to become the world’s largest and most capable navy, playing a crucial role in securing maritime trade routes and providing global defense for the United States.
Venezuela
Venezuela is a South American country with a history of indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization beginning in the 16th century, and independence achieved in 1821 under Simón Bolívar. It is known for its significant oil reserves, the Angel Falls (the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall), and diverse landscapes ranging from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin rainforest.
British Ministry of Defence
The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the United Kingdom’s government department responsible for implementing defence policy and coordinating the armed forces. It was formed in 1964 by merging the former Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry, centralising the command of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
