Russia Slams US Over Tanker Seizure in Atlantic; Cites International Law Breach

• Russia condemned the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, calling it a violation of international law and freedom of navigation.
• The Russian transport ministry cited the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, stating no state has the right to use force against registered vessels.
• The US confirmed the seizure, stating the tanker, Marinera, was part of a "shadow fleet" moving oil for sanctioned countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
• US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed Washington's global enforcement of its blockade on Venezuelan oil, with a second tanker seized in the Caribbean.
• The incident occurs amidst heightened US-Venezuela tensions, with US officials claiming control over Venezuela's oil sector and detention of President Nicolas Maduro.

Why It Matters: Russia condemns US tanker seizure as international law breach, while US enforces sanctions on oil trade.