The Daily Baku
International
Russia Condemns US Tanker Seizure as Violation of International Maritime Law
January 7, 2026
18:18
Russia has condemned the United States for seizing a tanker sailing under the Russian flag, stating that no country has the legal right to use force against vessels registered in another state’s jurisdiction. The Russian Ministry of Transport said the detention of the tanker Bella 1, also known as Marinera, violates the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to Moscow, the vessel had been officially granted temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag on December 24.
The Daily Baku reports that, at the same time, US President Donald Trump shared his views on NATO in a lengthy post on Truth Social. He expressed doubts that NATO members would come to the United States’ aid in a serious crisis, while insisting that Washington would still defend the alliance regardless. Trump reiterated his claim that he pressured NATO states to increase defense spending and argued that Russia would have taken control of all of Ukraine without his involvement. He also criticized the Nobel Committee for failing to award him the Nobel Peace Prize and claimed that China and Russia only fear and respect a US rebuilt under his leadership.
Separately, US authorities confirmed another, unrelated tanker seizure in international waters in the Caribbean. US Southern Command said a stateless, sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela was intercepted without incident and is now being escorted to the United States as part of efforts to combat illicit maritime activity.
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