Moscow Demands Humane Treatment, Swift Return After US Seizes Russian-Flagged Tanker

• US military seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (originally Bella 1) in the North Atlantic Ocean for alleged sanctions violations.
• Moscow's Foreign Ministry demanded humane treatment and prompt return of Russian nationals aboard the tanker.
• Russia condemned the seizure as a breach of international law and maritime norms, citing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• The tanker, sanctioned in 2024, had evaded a US blockade near Venezuela for over a fortnight.
• Russia's Ministry of Transport stated the tanker received a temporary permit to fly the Russian flag on December 24, 2025.

Why It Matters: Russia condemns US seizure of its flagged oil tanker, demanding crew's return and citing international law.