Russia’s foreign ministry has expressed concern over the recent seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker, the Marinera, by the United States, claiming it may escalate military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region. The ministry labeled the US action as a severe infringement on international law, suggesting that it diminishes the threshold for military engagement against maritime vessels.
The Marinera was intercepted while attempting to transport oil from Venezuela and Iran, countries under US sanctions. The US justified the action by stating that the tanker was included in its sanctions list in 2024 due to its connections with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The vessel, initially detected near the Caribbean in December 2024 while falsely claiming to be registered as Guyanese, was chased by the US Coast Guard, culminating in its seizure approximately 325 kilometers south of Iceland.
Legal complexities arise from the Marinera’s recent change in registration. Prior to its seizure, the tanker was sold to a Russian company and reflagged, leading Russian authorities to assert jurisdiction over it. The International Maritime Organization allows for the boarding of stateless vessels, which raised questions about the Marinera’s legal status when it was intercepted. An analysis identified numerous other stateless ships that have adopted Russian flags, complicating sanctions enforcement.
The Russian ministry characterized the US sanctions as illegitimate and dismissed American claims regarding control over Venezuelan oil exports as highly cynical. UK Defence Secretary John Healey also questioned the legality of the tanker’s transition to Russian registration, referring to it as a “sanctioned, stateless vessel.”
Why this story matters: The seizure could escalate geopolitical tensions and influence Russia’s maritime strategy.
Key takeaway: The Marinera’s complex legal status highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing international sanctions.
Opposing viewpoint: Russia claims the US’s actions are fundamentally illegitimate and a misuse of international law.
