Russia's Foreign Ministry Files Official Protest to the U.S. Over Marinera Ship Pursuit
Russia has called on the United States to return to legal norms and immediately cease illegal actions against the Marinera oil tanker. The official protest has been published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website.
The Foreign Ministry clarified that the U.S. received reliable information regarding the ship being owned by Russia and its peaceful civilian status. Moscow also noted that the inspection and search of the ship can only occur with the flag state's consent.
“Meanwhile, Russia not only did not grant such consent but, on the contrary, has filed an official protest with the American authorities regarding the pursuit of the 'Marinera' ship by the U.S. Coast Guard over the past few weeks,” the Russian Foreign Ministry added.
The ministry reiterated its demand to Washington to show humanitarian and dignified treatment towards the Russian citizens aboard the ship and warned that the outcome of the incident involving the Marinera could lead to an increase in geopolitical tension in the Euro-Atlantic region.