'Unlawful Action': Russia Calls On US To Cease Seizure Of Oil Tanker Marinera

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 07:02 IST

The statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry came after the Marinera, a tanker linked to Venezuelan oil shipments, was intercepted and taken under US control.

The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after U.S. officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela (Photo: Reuters)

Russia on Friday called on Washington to immediately stop ‘unlawful actions’ after the United States seized the oil tanker Marinera in international waters.

In a statement, Moscow said the vessel was engaged in lawful activities on the high seas and demanded that the US ensure proper treatment of the Russian citizens on board.

“We call on Washington to immediately cease its unlawful actions against the Marinera and other vessels engaged in lawful activities on the high seas. We reiterate our demand that the US ensure appropriate treatment of the Russian citizens on board," said the Russian Foreign Ministry in an official statement.

The comments came after the Marinera, a tanker linked to Venezuelan oil shipments, was intercepted and taken under US control following a pursuit that lasted several weeks.

The commercial vessel, chartered by a private trader, was sailing under the flag of Guyana at the time of the seizure. It had a crew of 28 people drawn from several countries, including Indian, Ukrainian, Georgian and Russian nationals.

According to available details, the crew included 20 Ukrainians, six Georgians — among them the ship’s captain — two Russians and three Indian nationals. Russia said the incident raised serious concerns over freedom of navigation and the safety of foreign seafarers operating in international waters.

News world 'Unlawful Action': Russia Calls On US To Cease Seizure Of Oil Tanker Marinera

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