Russian leader Vladimir Putin has faced a challenging week marked by what experts describe as a ‘double humiliation,’ as the US demonstrates its significant military power through global strikes.
Since the beginning of the year, the Kremlin has witnessed the capture of their close ally, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, by US forces, alongside the seizure of several oil tankers linked to Russia.
On Thursday, Russia strongly criticized the US for seizing an oil tanker, coinciding with Trump’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, a country plagued by prolonged conflict.
Tatiana Kastouéva-Jean, director of the Russia-Eurasia Center at IFRI, commented on Putin’s recent setbacks, stating that the Russian leader is now facing a loss of strategic advantage and must act cautiously in response to recent events.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US for capturing a Russian-flagged vessel in the North Atlantic, warning of heightened tensions and a lowered threshold for the use of force in the region.
Despite the silence from Putin regarding the tanker seizure and Maduro’s detention, Russian officials have condemned these actions as aggressive moves by the US.
Critics in Moscow have urged a more proactive response from the Russian government to protect its vessels and prevent further humiliations.
Experts, such as Dr Neil Melvin, have pointed out that the US actions are cornering Putin and pressuring Russia to navigate carefully to maintain relations with the US amid ongoing negotiations, particularly in Ukraine.
The US seizure of oil tankers has put Russia in a delicate position, compelling the Kremlin to balance its responses to avoid further provocation.
The incident has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies, who are considering stronger sanctions against Russia’s shipping activities and anticipate potential repercussions for other countries.
Daniel Fried, a former US official, emphasized that Russia’s limited options in responding to the vessel seizure might lead to diplomatic tensions and highlight the gap between Russia’s perceived power and its actual capabilities.
The US has enforced an oil embargo on Venezuela, emphasizing compliance with US law and national security interests in regulating oil transport to and from the country.