LONDON: Britain has officially acknowledged its participation in a U.S. operation that led to the seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean, an action Moscow has vehemently condemned as an act of “piracy.”
The confirmation came from British Defense Secretary John Healey (note: corrected from “Haley” per known official), who stated that the UK provided assistance at the request of the United States. He praised the British Armed Forces for demonstrating “professionalism and high capabilities” in ensuring the mission’s success, emphasizing that the support was provided in accordance with international law.
The incident involved U.S. forces seizing the tanker, a move that has significantly escalated diplomatic tensions. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rebuke, labeling the seizure illegal and tantamount to maritime piracy. It demanded the immediate safety and return of the Russian crew aboard the detained vessel.
The British statement solidifies the joint nature of the high-seas interdiction, underscoring close allied coordination in enforcing what Western nations likely characterize as sanctions or legal actions against Russian interests. However, it has drawn a fierce response from Moscow, framing the operation as a brazen violation of sovereignty and international norms.
The dispute marks a new flashpoint in Western-Russian relations, with the legality of the seizure and the fate of the crew and vessel now at the center of a burgeoning international standoff.
