Russia explodes in anger over seized oil tanker | World | News
Russia has erupted with anger as the US military seized an oil tanker believed to be linked to Venezuela in waters just off the UK in a high risk joint action with UK forces. The sanctioned Marinera tanker, which was previously named the Bella-1 before re-registering under a Russian flag, was seized by US special forces this lunchtime.
The US forces boarded the Marinera between Iceland and Scotland as it was travelling north, in an operation carried out with the support of the UK. The Russian transport ministry said in a statement: «No state has the right to use force against vessels properly registered in other countries’ jurisdictions». It added that US forces boarded the Marinera at about 3pm Moscow time, 12 noon GMT, after which all communication with the vessel was lost. On 24 December, the Marinera received a «temporary permission» to sail under the Russian flag, the ministry added.
Aleksey Zhuravlyov, the first deputy head of the Russian State Duma’s defence committee, lashed out at the US move, saying: «We need to provide a military response: attack with torpedoes or sink a couple of American boats.» The Duma member likened the move to «piracy».
Moreover, the Russian Foreign Ministry, headed by Vladimir Putin ally Sergey Lavrov, demanded the United States to treat the crew aboard the tanker with dignity. The Ministry added that it is «closely monitoring reports of the boarding of American troops on the Russian-flagged Mariner in the North Atlantic.»
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry stated: «Considering the incoming information regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure their humane and dignified treatment, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not impede their speedy return to their homeland.»
The UK offered «enabling support», including the use of bases, to US military assets intercepting the tanker. The Ministry of Defence said in a statement: «RFA Tideforce [often used as a refuelling vessel] provided support for US forces pursuing and interdicting the Bella 1, while the RAF provided surveillance support from the air.»
In a post on X, the US military’s European Command said the Trump administration had seized the vessel for violating US sanctions. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in reply to that post: «The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT — anywhere in the world.»
The US also seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean at the same time, and took the unusual step of immediately releasing footage of its special forces storming the vessel after the raid.
The United States has been tracking the ship Marinera for two weeks after it evaded what the US described as a blockade around Venezuela. The vessel had already been sanctioned in 2024 over accusations that it transported cargo for a company allegedly tied to Hezbollah.
When the US Coast Guard attempted to stop and board the ship last month, the crew refused to comply. The Marinera originally departed the Caribbean flying a Guyana flag, but it has since switched its registration to a Russian flag, adding another layer of complexity to the pursuit.
