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Russia confirms US release of two crew from seized tanker
U.S. forces seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic on January 7, detaining 28 crew members including three Indian nationals after weeks of pursuit that heightened tensions with Moscow. The operation involved Navy SEALs delivered by the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment boarding the vessel, which had been tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro under a federal court warrant for sanctions violations.
Russia announced on Friday that the United States had released two Russian crew members from the seized tanker at its request. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated in a press release: "We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the American leadership," adding that Moscow is urgently working on all issues related to ensuring the swift return of its compatriots home.
The multinational crew of the ship previously known as Bella 1 consisted of 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians, and two Russians, according to Russia Today. All were held by U.S. authorities following the seizure, and they could face charges under federal U.S. law, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated.
The tanker had been chartered by a private trader and sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2024 for alleged smuggling on behalf of a Hezbollah-linked firm. It carried no oil cargo at the time of capture.
Moscow sharply condemned the seizure as a "flagrant violation of fundamental principles and norms of international maritime law and freedom of navigation." The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the vessel received temporary Russian registry on December 24, 2025, and was in peaceful transit through international waters when boarded.
"We call on Washington to resume respect for the fundamental norms and principles of international maritime navigation and to immediately cease its illegal actions against the Marinera and other vessels conducting lawful activities on the high seas," the ministry declared.
Russia demanded humane treatment for all crew and their prompt return home. China echoed the criticism on Thursday, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling the "arbitrary detention" of foreign ships in international waters a severe breach of international law. The operation occurred as the tanker sailed between Iceland and the United Kingdom, with British defense officials confirming logistical support for the interception mission.
