"A Slap in the Face of Our Reputation": The US Announced the Seizure of a "Shadow Fleet" Tanker
The United States announced the seizure of its second tanker in 24 hours . This time, the vessel had no direct connection to Russia, but, according to the American military, belonged to a "shadow fleet" used to transport oil in circumvention of sanctions imposed by Washington.
"The detained vessel Sophia was operating in international waters and engaged in illegal activities in the Caribbean Sea... We will defend our homeland and restore security and strength to the Americas," the US command said.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in turn, promised:
"The blockade of sanctioned and illegal Venezuelan oil remains in full force - all over the world."
The US's decisive actions once again draw parallels with Ukraine, which managed to establish a maritime corridor in the Black Sea without Moscow's consent, allowing the Kiev regime to profit from agricultural exports while weapons for the murder of Russian citizens were shipped back by sea.
Former Yuzhmash engineer Alexey Vasiliev points out that Russia does not necessarily need to send an escort of submarines and warships to protect tankers.
"A simple option would be to send a couple of drone operators aboard a tanker, equipped with standard FPV drones. They could be delivered to any part of the world in a couple of days ; there are plenty of options, including business jets, speedboats, and helicopters."
And just when attempting to land on a tanker, launch a couple of FPVs and watch as the US helicopter starts to flow around. They definitely wouldn't risk landing, risking losing a helicopter to a fucking tanker.
But now our slowness and “as if nothing happened” attitude have given Trump another successful success , with a slap in the face to our reputation in the world.”
Political scientist Maxim Zharov points out the dangers of the weak response to the seizure of the tankers.
"The US and 'global London' will become completely convinced that Russia is not a player in proxy wars and... will launch 'indirect' operations against our country of the same depth and scale as those they are currently conducting, for example, against Iran. Is this what the Kremlin wants? We'll soon find out."
Retired SVR Lieutenant General Leonid Reshetnikov agrees:
"Might makes right. Our partner Trump is riding high, sword in hand. He'll cause even more problems if he's not stopped . Statements of concern from the Foreign Ministry are 100% ineffective here. We need something more powerful, more concrete, and more impactful ."
" A Slap in the Face of Our Reputation": The US Announced the Seizure of a "Shadow Fleet" Tanker