On Thursday, Russia accused the United States of escalating tensions and jeopardizing international shipping following the U.S. seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic the previous day.

The U.S. contended that the vessel transported oil to countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, violating Western sanctions, and that the ship was captured after an American operation deposed Moscow’s ally, Nicolás Maduro, in Caracas.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned that this action would “only exacerbate military and political frictions,” expressing concern over “Washington’s readiness to provoke serious international crises.”

This seizure occurred amid growing U.S. frustration with Russia, as minimal progress had been made in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The tanker was confiscated just days after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed displeasure with Russian President Vladimir Putin and recently questioned Putin’s assertion that Kyiv had attempted to strike his residence.

Moscow stated that the tanker was operating “in accordance with international law and under the temporary permit granted by Russian law to sail under the flag of the Russian Federation,” claiming it was en route to a Russian port and that U.S. officials had been repeatedly informed of its “civilian, peaceful status.”

The United States indicated that the crew could face prosecution, a move the Russian Foreign Ministry deemed “categorically unacceptable.”

Additionally, Moscow labeled Western sanctions as “illegitimate,” asserting they cannot serve as a “justification” for “seizing vessels on the high seas.”

Russia also accused the United Kingdom— which admitted to providing support for the U.S. operation— of having “long engaged in maritime piracy.”

The U.K. confirmed it had given “pre-planned operational assistance” to the U.S. during the tanker seizure.