Russia's Ministry of Transport on Wednesday condemned the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, saying that no country has the right to use force against ships operating on the high seas under the jurisdiction of another state.
The U.S. European Command announced earlier on the day that it had seized M/V Bella 1, an oil tanker registered as a Russian vessel which was expected to load oil in Venezuela, for "violations of U.S. sanctions" in the North Atlantic.
The Russian Ministry of Transport later confirmed on social media that it lost contact with Bella 1, also known as the Marinera, after the U.S. Navy boarded the vessel in the high seas around 15:00 Moscow time (1200 GMT) on Wednesday.
The ministry said in a statement that under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies to the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels operating within the jurisdiction of other states.
Russia's Foreign Ministry also said that it is closely following reports regarding U.S. military personnel boarding the Marinera. It demanded that the U.S. side treat all Russian nationals on board the vessel humanely, respect their rights and interests, and not impede their speedy return to their homeland.
Reports said the Marinera has been under the U.S. sanctions targeting Iran. It was intercepted by the U.S. in the Caribbean on Dec 21, 2025, while en route to Venezuela to load oil. It successfully prevented the U.S. forces from boarding and then turned toward the Atlantic Ocean, chased all the way by U.S. military ships.
Subsequently, the oil tanker changed its country of registry to Russia and obtained a temporary permit to sail under the flag of the Russian Federation, with the new name the Marinera.
Russia reportedly had dispatched a submarine and other naval forces to escort the Marinera. However, a United States Coast Guard cutter seized the oil tanker in the waters between Iceland and the United Kingdom before the Russian military vessels arrived.
Also on Wednesday, the Times newspaper reported that the UK Air Force provided intelligence and air support for the U.S. seizure of the Marinera, including multiple types of British aircraft tracking and monitoring in relevant airspace before and after the operation.
Russia condemns U.S. seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
