Moscow Condemns U.S. Seizure of Russian Oil Tanker Carrying Three Indian Crew Members

Moscow: Three Indian nationals are part of the crew aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker detained by U.S. authorities, according to reports from Russian media, as Russia sharply criticized the action and urged the United States to respect international maritime laws.

The vessel, named Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard in the North Atlantic on January 7, 2026. Russia Today, citing sources, reported that the crew includes 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians, and two Russians.

In a statement issued on January 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry demanded that Washington adhere to principles of free navigation on the high seas and immediately end what it described as unlawful interference with the tanker and other vessels conducting legitimate operations.

Moscow rejected U.S. justifications based on its domestic sanctions, calling unilateral restrictions by the U.S. and Western nations illegitimate and insufficient grounds for seizing ships in international waters.

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The ministry highlighted what it called cynical remarks by some U.S. officials linking the seizure to efforts to control Venezuela’s resources, firmly opposing such approaches as neo-colonialist.

Russia emphasized that reliable details about the tanker’s Russian registration and civilian nature had been shared multiple times with U.S. authorities, including through diplomatic channels. The ship had received temporary permission to fly the Russian flag on December 24, 2025, and was en route to a Russian port when seized.

Prior to the incident, Russia had formally protested the prolonged pursuit of the vessel by a U.S. Coast Guard ship and demanded it stop.

The ministry expressed grave concern over the deployment of force against a civilian ship, viewing the boarding and detention of the crew as a serious breach of international maritime norms.

It specifically called for humane treatment of the Russian crew members, full protection of their rights, and no delays in their repatriation.