Russia has accused the United States of escalating military and political tensions following the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
The vessel, reportedly carrying oil for countries including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, was taken after a U.S. operation linked to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas.
Moscow’s Foreign Ministry described the seizure as a provocative act that could “only result in further military and political tensions,” criticizing what it called Washington’s readiness to provoke international crises.
The U.S. justified the seizure by citing the tanker’s alleged violation of Western sanctions, stating the vessel was transporting oil illegally.
Officials also warned that the crew could face prosecution, a move the Russian Foreign Ministry deemed “categorically unacceptable.”
Russia insisted the tanker was operating under international law and temporarily flagged to Russia, with plans to dock at a Russian port. Moscow said it had repeatedly informed U.S. authorities of the vessel’s “civilian peaceful status” prior to the seizure.
The Russian ministry also rejected Western sanctions as “illegitimate” and argued that they cannot justify the interception of ships on the high seas.
London, which assisted the U.S. in the operation, was accused by Moscow of engaging in “maritime piracy,” though the UK stated it only provided support for a pre-planned operation.
The seizure comes amid growing U.S.-Russia tensions, particularly over stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and follows critical comments by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia has demanded the immediate release of the tanker and called on the international community to uphold maritime law and protect shipping rights.
DDM will continue to monitor the situation in coming days.
