In a new development reflecting escalating tensions between the two superpowers, Moscow has demanded that US authorities ensure the "swift" and immediate return of the crew members of the Russian tanker that the United States announced it had seized in the North Atlantic. This incident adds another thorny issue to the list of diplomatic disputes between the two countries.
The official Russian position and human rights demands
The Russian news agency TASS quoted a strongly worded statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, emphasizing its concern for the safety of its citizens. The statement read: "Given the information received regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew members, we demand that the United States guarantee humane and dignified treatment, full respect for their rights and interests, and that their swift return home not be obstructed." Moscow insists that the crew's safety is a top priority, warning against any actions that could infringe upon their dignity or legal rights.
Details of the chase and the ship's seizure
Moscow strongly criticized the US actions that led to the seizure Russian-flagged oil tanker of Venezuela . This maritime area is a sensitive point for international shipping, where the US has intensified its patrols to monitor compliance with sanctions imposed on Venezuela's oil sector.
Legal controversy: a violation of the Law of the Sea?
The Russian Ministry of Transport based its defense of the tanker on international law, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. In an official statement, the ministry said: "According to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the waters of the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of another state." This statement indicates that Moscow considers the American action a violation of sovereignty and a breach of the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.
The context of the conflict and the repercussions of sanctions on Venezuela
This incident cannot be separated from the broader geopolitical context of the stringent US sanctions imposed on Venezuela. For years, Washington has sought to cripple Venezuelan oil exports to pressure the government in Caracas, prompting the latter to seek international allies and alternative routes for exporting its oil. Russia plays a pivotal role in supporting Venezuela, both politically and logistically, making Russian vessels operating in the region targets of constant US surveillance.
Expected impact on Russian-American relations
This incident is expected to further strain already tense relations between Moscow and Washington. The seizure of a vessel flying the flag of a sovereign state and a permanent member of the Security Council is a serious escalation that could provoke reciprocal diplomatic responses. Observers believe that the recurrence of such incidents on the high seas could threaten international maritime security and increase the militarization of strategic waterways, as affected countries might resort to providing military protection for their merchant ships in the future, thus raising the likelihood of direct confrontation between major powers.
