After taking action against Venezuela, Donald Trump appears to be in no mood to spare anyone. Until recently, the United States was pushing for dialogue with Vladimir Putin, but now an incident in the Atlantic Ocean has occurred that Russia is unlikely to ignore. Tensions between Russia and the US have once again escalated after American forces seized a Russian oil tanker named Marinara, earlier known as Bella-1. Moscow has strongly objected to this move, calling it a violation of international law and even accusing the US of acting like a maritime pirate.
Russia has described the seizure as a forced action carried out on the high seas. Russian lawmaker Aleksey Zhuravlev reacted sharply, saying that the US now considers itself above all laws. He warned that if such actions continue, Russia could respond even at the military level. Zhuravlev went so far as to say that American warships should be sunk to teach Washington a lesson.
Also Read-: Venezuela Oil Crisis Explained: Trump, China, and the Global Energy Game
Putin’s close ally issues strong warning to Trump
Aleksey Zhuravlev, considered close to President Putin, made an extremely aggressive statement over the incident. He warned of possible torpedo attacks on US naval forces or sinking of American warships. According to him, Trump’s fearless attitude has become evident after recent US military operations in Venezuela, and such behaviour can only be stopped through strong action. Although the Russian government has not officially endorsed his remarks, they reflect the growing anger within Russia’s political circles.
Russia furious over tanker seizure
Russia has stated that the seized tanker Marinara was granted permission to sail under the Russian flag in December 2025 and was legally registered. Moscow claims the vessel was intercepted in international waters, where no country has the right to use force. Russian officials cited international maritime law, stressing that freedom of navigation applies on the high seas and that the US violated this principle. Russia has also demanded humane treatment of the civilians on board and their safe return.
How was the tanker seized?
The US seized the tanker on allegations of violating sanctions. Russian authorities say the vessel received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, 2025, and was fully compliant with legal procedures. The US Coast Guard had been tracking the tanker beforehand. Washington argues that the tanker was part of a network transporting sanctioned oil, while Russia maintains that it was legally operating under the Russian flag.