Kathrine Frich
Russia remains the world’s largest nuclear power
They have thousands of warheads and a military doctrine that openly allows their use under certain conditions.
For years, Kremlin officials have relied on nuclear rhetoric as a political tool, using it to deter adversaries and signal strength during moments of crisis.
As Moscow’s conventional power has been stretched by prolonged conflicts and sanctions, warnings about nuclear escalation have increasingly moved from theory into public debate.
Escalation at sea
US forces, supported by British assets, seized the oil tanker Marinera as it sailed through waters between Iceland and Scotland.
The vessel had previously operated under the name Bella 1 and was linked to sanctioned oil shipments connected to Venezuela.
According to US officials, the tanker was intercepted after a prolonged pursuit and was suspected of violating American sanctions, including the transport of Iranian crude.
British support included RAF surveillance aircraft and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Tideforce.
The operation took place amid heightened military activity in the North Atlantic, with US aircraft monitoring Russian naval movements in the area.
Moscow reacts angrily
Russia’s response was swift and hostile. Senior politicians accused the US and its allies of piracy and unlawful interference with a civilian vessel operating in international waters.
Alexei Zhuravlev, deputy chairman of the Russian parliament’s defence committee, said the seizure was “nothing less than outright piracy.”
He added that Russia’s military doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in such situations.
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev also weighed in, issuing a blunt warning to Washington: “Don’t play games with Russia.”
Nuclear rhetoric returns
Other Russian lawmakers went further, openly discussing military retaliation. Lt-Gen Andrey Gurulev suggested that Russia could begin stopping or even sinking ships bound for Ukrainian ports if tensions continue to rise.
He also called for strikes against Western arms manufacturers supplying Ukraine, naming German defence firms as potential targets.
Russian officials framed the tanker seizure as part of a wider Western campaign to undermine Moscow.
The Kremlin claimed the ship had been granted permission to sail under the Russian flag and accused the West of violating international maritime law.
Western response
UK Defence Secretary John Healey told Parliament that the seizure was legally justified, stating the vessel was effectively stateless at the time of interception.
He said the tanker had transported millions of barrels of Iranian oil over several years, with proceeds allegedly used to fund terrorism and regional instability.
British officials declined to comment further on operational details.
Sources: Reuters, AP, BBC, Politico, Mirror.
