Russia accuses US of piracy after seizure of oil tanker in Atlantic Ocean

Moscow: A near-war situation has arisen between Russia and the United States after the US military seized the Russian oil tanker 'Marinera', which was en route from Venezuela in the North Atlantic Ocean. Moscow has called the action a clear act of piracy on the high seas and has leveled serious accusations against the US for violating international law.

What has Moscow said?

The state news agency TASS, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that it is closely monitoring reports regarding the landing of US military forces on the Russian-flagged oil tanker. The ministry demanded that the US ensure humane and respectful treatment of the Russian citizens on board the tanker and fully respect their rights and interests. Russia also stated that the US should not obstruct the swift and safe return of the Russian citizens on board the ship to their homeland.

What are Russia's accusation against US?

Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Transport confirmed that it lost contact with the Marinera after US forces boarded the ship. The ministry strongly condemned the action, stating that under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), no country has the right to use force against a duly registered vessel of another country.

What has Russian leader Andrey Klishas said?

Andrey Klishas, a senior leader in the upper house of the Russian parliament, also sharply criticized the US. He called the operation open robbery at sea, saying that the US is directly trampling on international law under its so-called rules. Klishas warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for global maritime security. Ship's Crew Could Be Brought to the US: White House

What was the reaction of the White House?

The White House has also issued a statement saying that the Trump administration is in constant and close contact with Venezuela's interim government and that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is communicating directly with officials there. According to the White House, the US has considerable leverage and influence over Venezuela, and upcoming decisions will largely be in line with American interests.

Regarding the recently seized oil tanker, the White House clarified that the US will strictly enforce all sanctions and that, if necessary, the ship's crew could be brought to the United States. The US administration also said that the US is working on a major deal with Venezuela and the oil industry, under which Venezuelan oil will soon be brought to the US.

According to the White House, top executives from oil companies will arrive at the White House this week, and President Trump will meet with them directly. The administration also clarified that there are currently no US troops deployed in Venezuela, but the president reserves the right to use the US military if needed. The US has a long-term strategy for Venezuela, and steps are being taken on all three fronts: energy, security, and diplomacy.

How did the crisis start? 

This seizure in the Atlantic Ocean occurred while a Russian submarine and several warships were deployed in the waters near Iceland. US officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the operation to seize the Russian tanker was not an overnight success, but rather involved tracking it in the Atlantic Ocean for weeks.

The tanker had already evaded the US maritime "blockade" and had repeatedly ignored instructions from the US Coast Guard and requests to board and inspect the vessel. Furthermore, fearing capture, the ship even changed its flag and registration in the middle of the ocean to conceal its identity.

What role did Britain play?

Britain's cooperation was crucial in this challenging operation. According to US officials, the mission was carried out jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US Army, with Britain providing its territory as a launchpad. British airfields were used for the mission to seize the tanker. While the Russian tanker was transiting the sea area between Iceland and Britain, Royal Air Force (RAF) surveillance aircraft continuously monitored its movements and shared precise information with the US military.