US Seizure of Russia-Flagged Ship Sparks International Law Dispute
Explainers
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Firstpost•08-01-2026, 11:59
US Seizure of Russia-Flagged Ship Sparks International Law Dispute
- •US Coast Guard boarded the Marinera/Bella 1 in Icelandic waters, citing Venezuelan sanctions breach.
- •Russia condemned the seizure as a breach of international law, stating no state can use force against properly registered ships.
- •US claims it acted on a federal warrant, arguing the ship was stateless or flying a false flag before re-registration.
- •The ship received a temporary permit to sail under the Russian flag on December 24, complicating its legal status.
- •The incident raises new questions about the law of the sea, particularly regarding reflagging during pursuit, potentially setting a precedent.
Why It Matters: Legal experts debate if US seizure of Russia-flagged ship breached international maritime law, setting a new precedent.
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