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US-Russia on a Collision Course

Published January 7, 2026, 21:06
US-Russia on a Collision Course

Russia has accused the US of “open piracy” at sea following the seizure of the oil tanker “Marinera” by the US Navy. The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that the ship had a legal permit to sail under the Russian flag and was in international waters when it was attacked. Russian officials described the action as a violation of the Law of the Sea and UN Conventions, with some even suggesting retaliation by sinking US ships. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated it is closely monitoring the situation and demands that the US ensure the humane treatment of the crew and their swift return to Russia. This crisis is escalating after previous incidents, such as the US operation in Venezuela, and indicates growing tensions between the two countries. Andrey Klishas, Chairman of the Committee of State Institutions of the Russian Federation Council, emphasized that the US is violating the rules of international law. Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, described the seizure of the ship as “21st-century piracy” by “Anglo-Saxon” forces, stressing that it cannot be justified by sanctions. Alexey Zhuravlyov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, proposed that the seizure of the Russian oil tanker be considered a “illegal crossing of Russian borders and a normal military invasion of Russia” and called for a proportionate response, such as sinking US ships. These strong statements underscore the critical state of US-Russia relations and the potential for further escalation.