News - World: Russia has condemned the US capture of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic as a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The US European Command announced the seizure of the Marinera, previously known as the ‘Bella 1’, linked to Venezuelan oil, on Wednesday for alleged “violation of US sanctions.” 

Russia's Transport Ministry confirmed the seizure, saying contact with the vessel had been lost after US naval forces boarded it “in the high seas outside the territorial waters of any state”.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states," the ministry said in a statement.

Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the seizure took place while Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were in the general vicinity.

The ministry added that it has been “closely monitoring” the situation around the tanker, urging the US to ensure “humane and dignified treatment” of the Russian crew members and to “allow them to return home as quickly as possible.”

The vessel evaded the US Coast Guard in the Atlantic Ocean late last year after reportedly trying to approach Venezuela.

“On December 24, 2025, the Marinera received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag, issued in accordance with Russian and international law,” the Russian ministry said.

US President Donald Trump announced in December a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

The blockade was part of a US pressure campaign against Venezuela that culminated in the US military abducting Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from Caracas on January 3 and transporting them to New York to face “drug-related charges.”

"After a 'law enforcement operation' that killed several dozen people in Venezuela, the US has engaged in outright piracy on the high seas," Andrei Klishas, a lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, posted on Telegram on Wednesday.

After the kidnapping of Maduro, Trump said Venezuela "will be turning over" up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US.

The oil will be sold at its market price, Trump wrote on social media, adding he would control the money raised.

Source: Press TV