Dialogos

US Intercepts Two Tankers – Moscow Accuses of Violating Maritime Law

Published January 7, 2026, 18:02
US Intercepts Two Tankers – Moscow Accuses of Violating Maritime Law

The US has intercepted two tankers, the Marinera, flying a Russian flag, and the M/T Sophia in the Caribbean, alleging they were carrying oil from Venezuela in violation of sanctions. Russia condemns the seizure of the Marinera as a violation of Maritime Law, stating the vessel had legal permission to sail under the Russian flag and the interception occurred outside any state's territorial waters. According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, the open sea is governed by freedom of navigation and no state has the right to use force against vessels lawfully registered in another country. Reports suggest Russian warships were in the area during the operation, but this has not been confirmed by the Russian side.