The United States has detained a Russian-flagged tanker.
The US Marine Guard has detained the oil tanker Marinera in the Atlantic Ocean, NBC reports.
Western media claim the vessel recently sailed under the flag of Guyana and was named Bella 1. The crew ignored the American blockade of Venezuela, after which the tanker changed its registration, the crew raised the Russian flag, and even painted the Russian tricolor on the hull.
The Financial Times reported that, prior to the news of the tanker's seizure, three US Air Force Pilatus U-28 Draco aircraft, used to support special forces operations, were dispatched to the area where the vessel was located. A British Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon aircraft , used for anti-submarine warfare, was also dispatched , as Western media claimed the tanker could be protected by a Russian submarine.
War correspondent Alexander Simonov is outraged:
"This is an unambiguous act of piracy. No other formulations or concepts can or should exist here. Donnie has completely lost his way, caught in the euphoria of seizing Venezuela."
Columnist Boris Rozhin is surprised that officials haven't issued a warning against piracy.
"It's worth noting that Iran, in response to the seizure of its tankers, regularly seizes other countries' tankers in the Strait of Hormuz," Rozhin also points out.
Lawyer Ilya Remeslo points out:
"I don't believe the tanker's seizure (if it actually happened) is proof of Russia's weakness. US civilian vessels have been seized numerous times, and they've been constantly attacked by the Houthis and many others. This seizure isn't the only issue.
The main problem is that our state propaganda is unable to develop a consistent line of stance toward the United States. Who are they to us? An adversary, or a partner for friendly and frank negotiations for the sake of peace?
Who is the leader of this country, Trump? Is he the one who understands the root cause of the Ukrainian conflict and sincerely strives for peace, as our leadership says—or is he a party to this conflict, as evidenced by the US's actions?
Instead of simple and honest answers from state propaganda to these questions, we see constant antics and seesaws, described by the well-known image: "Trump is our elephant—Trump is a damned Yankee." It's time to choose a position and stick to it. Otherwise, these seesaws will lead to nothing good. And most importantly, don't remain silent."
The US has detained a Russian-flagged tanker.