Russia accuses the US of escalating military-political tension and threatening shipping after the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.
MOSCOW: Russia on Thursday accused the United States of stoking military-political tension and threatening international shipping.
The accusation follows the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic a day earlier.
Washington said the ship carried oil for states like Venezuela, Russia and Iran in violation of Western sanctions.
The seizure occurred after an American raid toppled Moscow’s ally Nicolas Maduro in Caracas.
Moscow’s foreign ministry said the move will “only result in further military and political tensions”.
It expressed concern over “Washington’s willingness to generate acute international crisis situations.”
The US action came amid Washington’s frustration with Moscow over stalled diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
It followed recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who said he was “not thrilled” with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Russia asserted the ship was sailing “in accordance to the norms of international law”.
It stated the vessel was heading to a Russian port under a temporary allowance to fly the Russian flag.
Moscow said it had repeatedly informed US authorities of the tanker’s “civilian peaceful status”.
It called the potential prosecution of the crew “categorically unacceptable.”
The Russian foreign ministry dismissed Western sanctions as “illegitimate”.
It argued they cannot justify the seizure of ships on the high seas.
Russia also accused Britain of being “long engaged in maritime piracy”.
The UK said it provided “pre-planned operation support” to the US in the ship seizure.
