“No state has the right to use force”: Russia comments on US seizure of oil tanker

Russia has reacted to the seizure by the United States of an oil tanker flying the Russian flag – the Foreign Ministry demands that the American side treat the Russians on board humanely.

This is stated in a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The ministry noted that Moscow is closely monitoring reports of the landing of American military personnel on the ship.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the need for dignified treatment of Russian citizens, respect for their rights and interests, and also notes that the US should not impede the rapid return of Russians home.

The seizure of the tanker was separately commented on by the Russian Ministry of Transport, which noted that at the end of 2025, the Marinera vessel received a temporary permit to sail under the state flag of the Russian Federation, “issued on the basis of Russian legislation and international law.”

After the American military personnel boarded the tanker, contact with it was lost.

“In accordance with the norms of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the regime of freedom of navigation operates in the waters, on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states,” the message says.

Previously, the United States of America conducted an operation to seize the Venezuelan-bound oil tanker Mariner , which was sailing under the Russian flag.

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