MOSCOW, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that the United States has decided to release two Russian citizens from the crew of a Russian-flagged oil tanker previously seized by the U.S. side.
Moscow welcomes the decision and expresses its gratitude to the U.S. leadership, the ministry said, adding that Russia is urgently working out all issues related to ensuring the speedy return of its citizens.
On Wednesday, the U.S. European Command said it had seized the oil tanker in the North Atlantic in an operation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the Marinera vessel, previously known as the Bella 1, of being part of a "Venezuelan shadow fleet" that transported sanctioned oil.
The Russian Transport Ministry said Wednesday the vessel was granted temporary authorization on Dec. 24, 2025, to sail under the Russian state flag in accordance with Russian legislation and international law.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the U.S. action constitutes a gross violation of the fundamental principles of international maritime law and demanded that the United States not impede the speedy return of Russians on board the vessel to their homeland. ■