US EditionMoscow says US freed two Russian crew members from seized oil tanker at its request
Two Russian crew members detained in US seizure of Marinera tanker have been released, following allegations of sanctions violations linked to Hezbollah-related smuggling.
- On Wednesday, 7 January the US military captured the Marinera , and Russia's foreign ministry said the United States released two Russian crew members.
- Sanctions records show the Marinera was sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly smuggling cargo for a company linked to Hezbollah, and American authorities say it was part of a shadow fleet violating U.S. sanctions.
- American troops boarded the Marinera between Iceland and Scotland after the US Coast Guard refused boarding last month, and the vessel re-registered from a Guyana flag to a Russian flag.
- Moscow on Thursday called the seizure illegal and escalatory, accusing Washington of stoking tensions and warning of further military and political tensions while the United States made no public comment on Russia's release claim.
- The seizure occurred despite an escort by the Russian Navy, with American authorities seizing the Marinera in the North Atlantic after a two-week pursuit following its escape from a blockade around Venezuela.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Russia reported that Washington had granted its request and released two Russian crew members of the tanker seized this week.
President Donald Trump of the United States, in response to an appeal by the Russian authorities, decided to release two Russian citizens, crew members of the Marinera tanker (formerly Bella 1), who had been detained by the United States authorities, as mentioned in the comment by the official spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zacharova, who stressed that Russia was "recognised" by Trump for that decision.
Donald Trump decided to release two Russian citizens from the crew of the Bella 1 tank vessel (the "Marinera") detained by the United States military in the Atlantic Ocean, which was reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
