Wednesday morning brought an explosive new development in Venezuela, as U.S. forces moved to seize an oil tanker near Venezuela which was protected by a Russian submarine. U.S. officials said that the tanker was flying a false flag and was sanctioned for illegally carrying Iranian oil, per the Wall Street Journal.
The news was met with a wide range of reactions — some of them critical, but others approving.
"US now seizing Venezuela-linked oil tanker Marinera (ex-Bella 1), Russian-flagged, after 2-week Atlantic pursuit," wrote Democratic strategist and Suffolk County legislator Jon Cooper. "It evaded blockade, resisted Coast Guard boarding—with Russian navy (incl. sub) nearby. High-seas drama escalating!"
"This is piracy under the law of nations," argued George Conway, a Never Trump attorney now running for Congress in New York as a Democrat. "And under section 1651 of title 18 of the United States Code, piracy under the law of nations is punishable by life imprisonment."
Many did not share his view, however. Indeed, a great deal of support came from pro-Ukraine internet activists, who saw it as a massive blow against the Kremlin's illicit activities.
"The US seizing a russian tanker should show Europe how to deal with Russia," wrote pro-Ukraine activist Akash Maniam. "Force, not appeasement. Strength, not weakness. Call russia's bluff and put them in their place."
Another such activist, "Kate from Kharkiv," posted chats of pro-Russian bloggers raging against the seizure, and writing, "Russian propaganda bloggers already crying about seized tanker."