俄外交部就“水手”号油轮遭美扣押发表声明

Core Viewpoint - The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed serious concern over the illegal military action by the U.S. military against the "Mariner" oil tanker, emphasizing that the vessel is legally registered under the Russian flag and its seizure violates international maritime law [1][2] Group 1: Legal Status and International Law - The "Mariner" oil tanker was granted temporary permission to fly the Russian flag on December 24, 2025, while traversing international waters in the North Atlantic [1] - The U.S. military's boarding and seizure of the civilian vessel and its crew is a severe violation of fundamental principles of international maritime law and infringes on the rights of the shipowner [1][2] Group 2: U.S. Actions and Implications - The U.S. claims regarding sanctions and jurisdiction over the vessel are unfounded and illegal, as unilateral measures cannot justify the seizure of ships on the high seas [2] - The incident is viewed as part of a broader U.S. strategy to control Venezuela's natural resources, which Russia condemns as neo-colonialism [2] - The seizure of the "Mariner" is expected to escalate military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region and lower the threshold for the use of force in peaceful shipping [2] Group 3: Call for Action - Russia calls for the U.S. to adhere to basic norms and principles of international maritime navigation and to cease illegal actions against the "Mariner" and other vessels engaged in lawful activities [2] - The Russian government insists that the U.S. must ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens aboard the tanker and allow them to return home promptly [2]