Russia Demands US Immediately Stop Illegal Actions Against Marinera and Other Lawful Vessels

The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the United States’ seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera, calling the operation a blatant violation of international maritime law. Moscow emphasized that the vessel was lawfully engaged in peaceful activities and that the US authorities had been repeatedly informed of its Russian ownership and legal status. The ministry warned that such actions undermine the fundamental principles governing navigation and the freedom of the high seas.

Russia also demanded that the United States ensure proper treatment of the Russian nationals aboard the Marinera and allow their immediate and safe return to their homeland. The ministry expressed deep concern over Washington’s willingness to create acute international crises, describing the approach as both regrettable and destabilizing for global maritime norms.

Furthermore, Russia rejected the US claims that its national sanctions legislation justifies the seizure, stating that unilateral restrictive measures imposed by the United States or other Western countries are illegitimate. Moscow emphasized that no country has the right to establish jurisdiction over foreign-flagged vessels in international waters or to seize them, and it called on the US to immediately cease all such illegal actions to avoid further escalation.