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An oil tanker named Marinera, previously called Bella 1, was captured at sea in the Singapore Strait on March 18, 2025. — AFP
MOSCOW: Russia announced on Friday that the United States has agreed to release two Russian crew members aboard a Russian-flagged oil tanker that Washington had seized earlier this week.
U.S. authorities claimed the tanker was part of a covert fleet transporting oil for nations such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, in violation of American sanctions. The ship was seized in the North Atlantic despite being escorted by the Russian navy.
“Following our request, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to free two Russian citizens onboard the Marinera tanker, which was previously detained by the U.S. during an operation in the North Atlantic,” stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
“We welcome this decision and appreciate the leadership of the U.S. government,” she added.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev mentioned on Telegram that Trump ordered the release of “all Russians” on the Marinera.
Previously, the U.S. indicated that the Marinera’s crew could face prosecution, a move Russia called “strictly unacceptable.”
Moscow accused Washington on Thursday of fueling tensions and risking global shipping by seizing the tanker, which Russia deems illegal. The foreign ministry warned that such actions would “only lead to increased military and political tensions,” expressing concern over Washington’s apparent willingness to escalate international crises.
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