Russia Demands Answers From Trump
Russian officials are pushing back after the Trump administration ordered the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, a move U.S. leaders say was tied to sanctions enforcement and national security concerns.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov demanded an explanation from Washington on Thursday, criticizing the United States for what he described as unilateral military action at sea.
Speaking during a diplomatic roundtable focused on the war in Ukraine, Lavrov said the U.S. should show respect for the international community by explaining what facts justified the seizure.
Lavrov suggested that Washington often acts as though it is entitled to conduct operations without consultation, adding that other nations deserve clarity when such actions are taken.
Trump Administration Defends Oil Seizure
U.S. officials quickly defended the operation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that the oil aboard the tanker was subject to U.S. sanctions and was allegedly linked to an illegal oil-shipping network that supports foreign terrorist organizations.
According to Bondi, the shipment originated in Venezuela and Iran — two regimes that have long been under heavy U.S. sanctions due to their hostile posture toward American interests.
The Justice Department emphasized that enforcing sanctions is a critical part of cutting off funding streams tied to terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
Foreign Governments Question Military Operation
Despite those explanations, some foreign officials have raised concerns about the seizure.
They argue that U.S. military forces carried out the operation without advance notice and point to recent American strikes against suspected narco-terrorist vessels operating in the Caribbean.
Lavrov claimed there is limited public information about what laws were violated or how much oil on the tanker was allegedly illegal.
He also pointed to what he called contradictions in U.S. policy, noting that while President Trump has openly criticized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and called for political change, American energy companies such as Chevron continue limited operations in the country under specific authorizations.
Trump: “It Was Taken for a Great Reason”
President Trump briefly addressed the incident on Wednesday but declined to provide detailed operational information.
The president told reporters the vessel was taken for legitimate reasons and said further details would come from the proper authorities.
When pressed about the oil’s fate, Trump said the cargo would probably remain in U.S. possession.
Expanded U.S. Military Presence in the Caribbean
The tanker seizure comes as the Trump administration increases its military presence across the U.S. Southern Command region.
In recent weeks, additional warships, Marines, fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and naval assets have been deployed to the Caribbean and surrounding waters.
Administration officials argue the buildup is necessary to combat the flow of narcotics, disrupt criminal smuggling networks, and defend U.S. borders from foreign threats.
Supporters say the tougher stance reflects President Trump’s broader approach to national security — enforcing sanctions, confronting hostile regimes, and prioritizing American safety over international criticism.
