Russia on the hijacking of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic: It constitutes an action contrary to maritime law

Published at: 07/01/2026 01:10 PM

The Russian Ministry of Transport has denounced the hijacking of the ship M/V Bella 1 in international waters of the North Atlantic by the United States. Moscow stated that the operation constitutes an action contrary to maritime law.

According to the official statement, the vessel complied with current international standards and had navigation licenses under the Russian flag. Communication with the M/V Bella 1 was interrupted after the boarding, RDN Venezuela reported.

The United States Coast Guard confirmed the capture of the tanker after an aerial chase. An official indicated that the crew did not resist during the operation.

This kidnapping is in addition to three others carried out during the month, as part of the measures to block the oil trade by the United States. Russia, for its part, tried to escort the ship with submarines and reiterated that no State can exercise force on the high seas.

Russian diplomacy has urged respect for freedom of navigation and has warned that the case of the oil tanker opens up a new international controversy.

Mazo News Team