Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on the 7th that Russia is closely monitoring reports of US troops boarding the Russian-flagged oil tanker "Mariner" in the North Atlantic and demands that the US ensure humane treatment of Russian citizens on board.
Russian media, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry's response, reported that the ministry is closely monitoring the reports. Information indicates that Russian citizens are among those on board, and Russia demands that the US ensure they receive humane and dignified treatment, respecting their rights and interests. Furthermore, the US should not obstruct the swift return of Russian citizens to their homes.
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that on December 24, 2025, in accordance with relevant Russian and international law, the "Mariner" received temporary permission to sail under the flag of the Russian Federation. Around 3:00 PM Moscow time on January 7, 2026, the US Navy boarded the ship in international waters, after which Russian forces lost contact with the vessel.
The Russian Ministry of Transport stated that, according to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies to the high seas, and no country has the right to use force against vessels legally registered under the jurisdiction of other countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated on the 6th that Russia was closely monitoring the unusual situation of the oil tanker "Mariner." The tanker, flying the Russian flag, was navigating in the North Atlantic in full accordance with international maritime law. However, the US military and NATO, for reasons incomprehensible to Russia, were giving the "Mariner" excessive attention that was inconsistent with the peaceful nature of the vessel. US Coast Guard vessels tracked the tanker for several days, despite it being approximately 4,000 kilometers from the US coast. "Russia expects Western countries that claim to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation on the high seas to lead by example in practicing this principle." (End)
