Background on the Incident
On Wednesday, Russia claimed that the United States violated international maritime law by seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the “Marinera,” in the Atlantic Ocean. The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, freedom of navigation applies in international waters, and no state has the right to use force against duly registered vessels under another state’s jurisdiction.
Details of the Seizure
- The “Marinera” obtained temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag on December 24.
- Contact was lost with the vessel after U.S. naval forces boarded it “at sea.”
Russian Demands for Treatment of Crew Members
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested that the U.S. ensure the “rapid return” of crew members, particularly those who are Russian citizens. They emphasized that the U.S. should guarantee humane treatment, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not obstruct their swift return to their homeland.
U.S. Continues Pressure on Venezuela
The U.S. announced on Wednesday the seizure of two oil tankers sanctioned, one captured by military forces in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean. Both seizures are related to the blockade against Venezuela.
U.S. Actions Against Venezuela
- The U.S. Southern Command (SOCOM) announced the seizure of an oil tanker in the Caribbean.
- The North Atlantic tanker was intercepted near Iceland after days of pursuit, confirmed by the U.S. European Command.
U.S. Sanctions and Exceptions
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has maintained a list of tankers from countries like Venezuela, Russia, or Iran for years, updating it regularly. These vessels are subject to seizure according to U.S. legislation.
Despite the sanctions, U.S.-based multinational corporation Chevron continues operations in Venezuela due to a special exemption that excludes it from U.S. sanctions on the Venezuelan oil industry.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the dispute about? Russia claims that the U.S. violated international maritime law by seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the “Marinera,” in the Atlantic Ocean.
- What actions did the U.S. take? The U.S. announced the seizure of two oil tankers sanctioned, one in the North Atlantic and another in the Caribbean. Both seizures are related to the blockade against Venezuela.
- What is Russia’s stance on the treatment of crew members? Russia demanded that the U.S. ensure humane treatment, respect the rights and interests of Russian crew members, and facilitate their swift return to Russia.
- How do U.S. sanctions affect Venezuela’s oil industry? The U.S. maintains a list of tankers from countries like Venezuela, Russia, or Iran, subject to seizure according to U.S. legislation. However, U.S.-based multinational corporation Chevron continues operations in Venezuela due to a special exemption.
