The ministry clarified that the vessel, flying the Russian flag, was on a lawful route to one of the ports of Russia, conducting a peaceful passage in international waters. The Russian side officially notified the United States of the tanker’s ownership.
In Moscow, it was noted that the stopping and inspection of vessels in open sea is permitted only in exceptional cases and with the consent of the state under whose flag the vessel is sailing, which Russia did not provide. Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry had already sent a protest to the United States regarding the actions of the Coast Guard concerning the "Marinera".
The statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the landing of American servicemen and the detention of crew members are serious violations of international maritime law and principles of freedom of navigation, which also threaten the lives of sailors and the ecology of the region. References to U.S. national legislation are considered unconvincing by the ministry.
Moscow called on Washington to immediately cease its illegal actions regarding the tanker, ensure the rights of the crew, and facilitate their prompt return to their homeland.
