Russia Calls US Seizure of Tanker 'Outright Piracy,' Cites International Law Violation

• Russia accused the US of "outright piracy" and violating international maritime law after the US seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic near Iceland.
• The US operation, involving the Coast Guard and military, targeted Venezuelan oil exports and followed a blockade against sanctioned tankers in the Caribbean.
• Russia's Transport Ministry demanded humane treatment and swift return of the Russian crew, citing the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
• The seizure is part of broader US pressure on Venezuela, including attempts to capture President Nicolás Maduro for drug trafficking charges.
• The incident highlights strained US-Russia relations, which deteriorated after Russia invaded Ukraine, despite recent attempts at dialogue.

Why It Matters: US seizure of a Russian tanker sparks "piracy" accusation from Moscow, escalating international tensions.