Russia on Thursday accused the United States of escalating tensions and endangering international shipping following the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic a day earlier.
Washington said the vessel was transporting oil linked to sanctioned states including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, and claimed it was seized after a U.S. operation that reportedly led to the overthrow of Moscow’s ally, Nicolás Maduro, in Caracas.
In a statement, Russia’s foreign ministry warned that the action would “only lead to further military and political tensions,” expressing concern over what it described as “Washington’s readiness to provoke acute international crises.”
The seizure comes amid growing frustration in Washington over stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine. It also follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he was “not thrilled” with Russian President Vladimir Putin and dismissed Putin’s claim that Kyiv had attempted to attack his residence.
Moscow insisted the tanker was operating “in accordance with international law” and under a temporary legal permit to sail under the Russian flag. It said the ship was en route to a Russian port and that U.S. authorities had been repeatedly informed of its “civilian and peaceful status.”
The United States has indicated that the crew could face prosecution, a suggestion Russia’s foreign ministry described as “categorically unacceptable.”
Moscow also reiterated that it considers Western sanctions illegitimate and said they cannot be used to justify the seizure of vessels on the high seas. It further accused the United Kingdom— which confirmed it provided support to the U.S. during the operation — of having a long history of “maritime piracy.”
The UK said it had offered “pre-planned operational support” to the United States in the tanker seizure.