Medvedev Calls Seizure of 'Mariner' Tankers a Predictable Move

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev stated that the temporary authorization to raise the Russian flag on the 'Mariner' tankers, which have been pursued by the Americans, was a move with predictable consequences.

"It is clear why it was temporarily flagged under Russia. It sought protection from American illegal sanctions under the threat of seizure. However, the chosen method was completely inadequate," wrote Medvedev on his Telegram channel.

He emphasized that the seizure of the tankers by the Americans was a "clear violation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea." Medvedev added, "However, it’s worth remembering that the United States has not ratified it. In this context, our country’s temporary raising of its flag on a vessel that is being pursued illegally by our main geopolitical adversary, which is in a state of instability, is a move with predictable consequences," the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council highlighted.