Published: January 8, 2026 12:24 pm
Author: RT
The capture of the Marinera will likely further heighten tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region, the Foreign Ministry has said
The seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera oil tanker by the US military is liable to have far-reaching implications for the entire Euro-Atlantic region and civilian maritime traffic globally, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow has warned.
On Wednesday, the US European Command announced the capture of the vessel in international waters to the northwest of Scotland. American warships had pursued it all the way from the Caribbean Sea.
The oil tanker, previously named Bella 1, was intercepted for alleged “violation of US sanctions” regarding the export of Venezuelan oil.
According to the Russian Transport Ministry, “On December 24, 2025, the Marinera received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “serious concern in connection with the unlawful forcible action against the Marinera oil tanker conducted by the US armed forces on January 7.”
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