On Friday, Russia reported that the United States had opted to free two Russian crew members from a Russian-flagged oil tanker that was confiscated earlier in the week.
American officials asserted that the tanker was involved in a covert fleet transporting oil for countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, breaching U.S. sanctions. It was seized in the North Atlantic despite being accompanied by the Russian Navy.
“In response to our appeal, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to release two Russian nationals from the Marinera tanker, which was taken by the United States during an operation in the North Atlantic,” stated Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“We appreciate this decision and extend our thanks to the U.S. leadership,” she added.
Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev announced on Telegram that Trump had chosen to free “all Russians” aboard the Marinera tanker.
Previously, U.S. authorities indicated that the crew of the Marinera might face legal action, which Russia deemed “categorically unacceptable.”
On Thursday, Moscow accused Washington of escalating tensions and jeopardizing international shipping with the tanker seizure, which it labeled as illegal.
The Russian Foreign Ministry remarked that this action would “only lead to increased military and political tensions,” expressing concern about “Washington’s readiness to create acute international crises.”
