Torpedoes and Nuclear Devices: The U.S. Coast Guard seized Russian Marinera in the North Atlantic

"In response to the U.S. seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) on January 7, 2026, Alexei Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, described the action as a "military invasion" of Russia. 

 

Zhuravlev's statements included the following:

 

    Response to "Impunity": He argued that the U.S. acts from a "euphoria of impunity" and called for a "slap in the face" to be returned.

    Military Retaliation: He suggested that Russia should respond "backhand" and without regard for past agreements, specifically mentioning a torpedo attack on the U.S. fleet.

    Nuclear Rhetoric: He emphasized that as international law is replaced by the "right of the strong," Russia must leverage its power, including its nuclear status, to protect its interests against what he termed "outright piracy".

 

Context of the Seizure

 

    Operation Southern Spear: The U.S. Coast Guard seized the Marinera in the North Atlantic near Iceland as part of a broader operation to enforce an oil blockade against sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela.

    Escalation: The seizure followed the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026.

    Russian Official Stance: While Zhuravlev called for military action, the Russian Ministry of Transport and Foreign Ministry officially demanded the "humane and dignified treatment" and repatriation of the Russian crew members on board."