Capture of the Tanker Marinera
On January 7, 2023, a U.S. military force captured the Russian oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella 1, after a two-week chase across the Atlantic. This capture caused significant resonance, as the tanker was under the Russian flag, and its oil cargo is already being unloaded.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on this event, stating that Russian ships, including a submarine and a destroyer, quickly sailed away at the moment of the tanker’s capture.
'I don't want to talk about this. But the fact is that the Russian ships - there was a submarine and a destroyer - they both left very quickly when we arrived. And we captured the ship.' Donald Trump
Moscow's Response
In response to the actions of the USA, Moscow claims that these actions violate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The situation surrounding the capture of the Marinera tanker remains tense, as it highlights the growing confrontation between the USA and Russia on maritime issues.
This event reflects the escalation of tensions in relations between the USA and Russia, which may have serious consequences for international security. The capture of the tanker may serve as a pretext for further diplomatic conflicts and escalation of military actions in the region, as both sides demonstrate readiness to defend their interests amid increasing competition for control over resources and maritime routes.