On Thursday, Russia called upon the United States to provide an explanation for the seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuelan waters. This action, which was part of an anti-drug and oil smuggling operation, had been announced by U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day.
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, voiced his concerns, stating that he anticipated the United States would clarify "on what grounds these measures are being taken, out of respect for other members of the international community."
Lavrov emphasized that Russia supports collective discussions on maritime security and anti-drug efforts, rather than unilateral actions.
"Efforts to combat drug trafficking and ensure maritime safety should not involve unilateral or punitive measures that violate the sovereignty of other nations," the Russian minister insisted.
The government of Nicolás Maduro reacted angrily, denouncing the tanker seizure as "blatant theft and an act of international piracy."
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed that the operation exposed Washington's true intentions: "to steal and illegitimately claim Venezuelan oil."
In Havana, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also condemned the U.S. action, labeling it as "a vile act of piracy" and asserting that it is part of Washington's systematic harassment of Moscow's allied governments in Latin America.
President Trump had announced the interception on Wednesday, asserting that the tanker was carrying sanctioned oil from Venezuela.
Sources from the Pentagon indicated that the operation was conducted as part of the "Operation Southern Spear," a U.S. maritime offensive against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and South Atlantic.
However, Caracas reminded that Trump had previously expressed interest in acquiring Venezuelan oil without compensation.
The American oil company Chevron continues its operations in Venezuela under special licenses from the Treasury Department, which, according to Russia, reveals a double standard in U.S. policy.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López urged Latin American countries to "stay alert" to the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, accusing it of seeking "to subdue the region's peoples and control their natural resources."
Since August, Washington has maintained a significant naval presence off the Venezuelan coast, claiming its aim is to combat drug trafficking.
Despite this, both the United Nations and the DEA agree that Venezuela does not serve as a primary route for drug trafficking to the United States.
Venezuelan sources claim that "Operation Southern Spear" has resulted in over 80 deaths in airstrikes on alleged smuggling vessels, a figure not confirmed by international bodies.
With this statement, Moscow reaffirms its strategic alliance with the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, amid escalating tensions with the United States.
Lavrov reiterated that the current tensions stem from Washington's unilateral sanctions and pressure tactics, which —according to Russia— aim to enforce its geopolitical dominance in the region.
Understanding the U.S.-Russia Tensions over Venezuela
Why did Russia demand an explanation from the U.S.?
Russia demanded an explanation to understand the legal basis on which the U.S. seized the oil tanker, viewing it as a unilateral action that could violate international norms.
What is Operation Southern Spear?
Operation Southern Spear is a U.S. maritime initiative aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the Caribbean and South Atlantic regions.
How has Venezuela responded to the U.S. actions?
Venezuela has condemned the U.S. seizure of the tanker, labeling it as piracy and accusing the U.S. of attempting to illegitimately claim Venezuelan resources.