On January 7 local time, White House Press Secretary Levitt said at a press conference that the crew of the Russian oil tanker "Mariner" (also known as "Bella 1") detained by the U.S. military may face criminal charges in the United States. She added that "a warrant has been issued by the court," and if necessary, these crew members will be brought to the United States for further trial.
On the same day, in the interception operation targeting the civilian oil tanker "Mariner" flying the Russian flag, the United States deployed an entire fleet of Pilatus U-28A "Dragon" reconnaissance aircraft.
The Russian oil tanker crew facing the risk of criminal charges due to the U.S. detention incident has become the focus of current international maritime conflicts, with Russia strongly protesting the U.S. "law enforcement on the high seas" actions.
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. military detained the oil tanker "Mariner" flying the Russian flag in the North Atlantic, accusing it of violating U.S. sanctions against Venezuela's oil; half an hour later, another stateless oil tanker was also detained in the Caribbean Sea.
White House Press Secretary Levitt claimed that the crews of both oil tankers might be tried in the United States for "illegally transporting oil," citing violations of U.S. federal law as the reason.
The Russian Ministry of Transport condemned the U.S. action as violating the "freedom of navigation on the high seas" principle under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and denounced it as "piracy."
The Foreign Ministry demanded that the U.S. ensure the Russian crew is treated humanely and immediately return the personnel.
Russia announced that foreign warships entering the Arctic waters must apply 45 days in advance, otherwise they can be forcibly expelled; meanwhile, it accelerated cooperation with China and India to open alternative transportation routes such as the Arctic shipping lanes.
U.S. military captures Venezuelan president
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1853706506954752/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.