U.S. Sets Free Two Russian Crew Members of Oil Tanker ‘Marinera’
US President Donald Trump authorized the release following a direct appeal from the Kremlin, according to ministry officials.
"We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the US leadership," the statement read.
US European Command announced Wednesday it had seized the Marinera in international waters northwest of Scotland following a trans-Atlantic pursuit that originated in the Caribbean Sea.
The tanker, formerly operating as Bella 1, was detained over alleged "violation of US sanctions" connected to Venezuelan petroleum exports.
Twenty-eight crew members were aboard during capture, comprising two Russians, 17 Ukrainians, three Georgians and three Indian citizens.
Washington first targeted the vessel in late 2024 after it allegedly attempted to reach Venezuela. The ship's captain rebuffed a boarding demand from the US Coast Guard at that time and redirected toward the Atlantic Ocean.
While evading pursuit, the crew rechristened their vessel and secured emergency authorization to display Russia's maritime flag, which Sochi port authorities approved.
Russia's Foreign Ministry previously characterized the Marinera seizure as "the most blatant violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international maritime law." Officials warned the action would intensify Euro-Atlantic tensions and reduce the "threshold for the use of force against civilian vessels."
The naval interception occurred days after American commandos executed a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro, whom US authorities have indicted on drug trafficking allegations.
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