US Releases Two Russian Crew Members From Seized Oil Tanker Amid Tensions

On Friday, Russia announced that the United States had opted to release two Russian crew members from a Russian-flagged oil tanker that was confiscated earlier in the week.

According to U.S. officials, the tanker was alleged to be part of a clandestine fleet transporting oil for nations like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, thus breaching U.S. sanctions. The vessel was seized in the North Atlantic, despite being under the protection of the Russian Navy.

«In response to our appeal, President Trump has chosen to free two Russian nationals aboard the Marinera tanker, which had been apprehended by the U.S. during an operation in the North Atlantic,” stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

She expressed, «We appreciate this decision and extend our thanks to the U.S. administration.»

Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev shared on Telegram that Trump made the decision to release «all Russians» who were on the Marinera.

Earlier, U.S. authorities indicated that the crew of the Marinera might face legal charges, a prospect that Russia deemed «entirely unacceptable.»

On Thursday, Moscow accused Washington of escalating tensions and jeopardizing international shipping through the capture of the tanker, labeling the act as illegal.

The Russian foreign ministry remarked that such actions would «only lead to increased military and political tensions,» voicing concern over «Washington’s readiness to create acute international crises.»