Russia says the seizure of its Marinera oil tanker by the U.S. could lead to a further escalation of military and political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region, as well as a visible lowering of the “threshold for the use of force” against peaceful shipping.

In a strongly worded statement, its Foreign Ministry said other countries and entities may also feel entitled to act in similar ways, with a precedent being set by the U.S.

The comments came after the UK revealed that it had helped U.S. Coast Guard authorities intercept the tanker for allegedly violating the Trump administration’s blockade on Venezuela’s oil.

Russia accused the UK, a country it said has a long history of maritime robbery, of being “particularly smitten with predatory intentions” of the U.S.

It also dismissed as “extremely cynical” Washington’s suggestions that the seizure of the Marinera vessel is part of a broader strategy to establish unlimited U.S. control over Venezuela’s natural resources.

“We consider the US's references to its national 'sanctions legislation' to be unfounded. Unilateral restrictive measures by the US, as well as those of other Western countries, are illegitimate and cannot serve as justification for attempts to establish jurisdiction, much less the seizure of vessels on the high seas,” the Ministry said.

It further noted that the lives and health of the Marinera’s crew, which includes citizens of several countries, are at risk, adding that the American side should ensure humane and dignified treatment of those aboard by strictly respecting their rights and interests and allowing them to return home as quickly as possible.

Russia maintains that the vessel received temporary permission to fly the Russian flag on December 24 in accordance with international and Russian law and was innocently passing through international waters in the North Atlantic en route to a Russian port.

It said U.S. officials had “repeatedly received reliable information regarding the vessel's Russian affiliation and its civilian, peaceful status” and dismissed claims that the tanker was sailing “without a flag” or “under a false flag”.