Russia demanded explanations from the United States this Thursday regarding the seizure of an oil tanker in waters near Venezuela, an action announced the day before by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of an operation against drug trafficking and oil smuggling.
The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serguéi Lavrov, expressed his concern and stated that he hoped that "out of respect for the other members of the international community, the United States would explain on what facts it is basing these measures".
Lavrov emphasized that Russia advocates for discussions on maritime security and the fight against drug trafficking to be collective and not imposed unilaterally.
"You cannot combat drug trafficking or guarantee maritime security through unilateral actions or punitive measures that violate the sovereignty of other States," stated the Russian Foreign Minister.
The government of Nicolás Maduro reacted with outrage and described the seizure of the ship as a "brazen theft and an act of international piracy."
The Venezuelan Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, claimed that the operation reveals Washington's true intentions: "to steal and illegitimately appropriate Venezuelan oil".
From Havana, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also condemned the U.S. action, calling it "a vile act of piracy" and denouncing that it is part of the systematic harassment by Washington against Moscow's allied governments in Latin America.
The U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the interception of the vessel, claiming it was carrying sancioned crude from Venezuela.
According to sources from the Pentagon, the operation was part of the so-called "Southern Lance Operation", a maritime offensive by the United States against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the South Atlantic.
Caracas, however, recalled that Trump had publicly admitted his interest in acquiring Venezuelan oil without offering compensation.
The American oil company Chevron continues to operate in Venezuela under special licenses from the Department of the Treasury, which, according to Russia, demonstrates a double standard in U.S. policy.
The Venezuelan Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, urged the countries of Latin America to “remain vigilant” regarding the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, which he accused of seeking to “subjugate the peoples of the region and control their natural resources”.
Since August, Washington has maintained a significant naval presence off the coast of Venezuela, claiming that its aim is to combat drug trafficking.
However, both the UN and the DEA agree that Venezuela does not constitute a major route for drug trafficking to the United States.
Venezuelan sources report that the "Operation Southern Lance" has resulted in over 80 deaths in bombings against alleged vessels linked to smuggling, figures that have not been confirmed by international organizations.
With this statement, Moscow reaffirms its strategic alliance with the governments of Cuba and Venezuela, amid a rising climate of confrontation with the United States.
Lavrov insisted that the current tensions are a result of the policy of sanctions and unilateral pressures from Washington, which —according to Russia— seeks to impose its geopolitical dominance in the region.
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