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.
42 Articles
42 Articles
The United States has released two Russian crew members from the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera that was seized in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this week, the Moscow Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The ministry welcomed the decision and thanked Washington, while also indicating that it would take steps to ensure the immediate return of the people involved. Quoting Olga Stefanishina, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Interfax Uk…
U.S. Releases Two Russian Crew From Seized Tanker
Russia announced on Friday, January 9th, that the United States had decided to release two Russian crew members from the Marinera, a Russian-flagged oil tanker that Washington seized earlier this week. The seizure took place in the North Atlantic, and the operation was carried out jointly by the Coast Guard and the U.S. military. The vessel had earlier evaded U.S. maritime controls in the Caribbean and refused multiple boarding attempts by the U…
Russia reported that Washington had granted its request and released two Russian crew members of the tanker seized this week.
The tanker seized by the USA is connected with the Moldovan oligarch — mass media: EADaily
EADaily, January 9th, 2026. The Marinera oil tanker seized by the United States in the North Atlantic is associated with former Ukrainian MP Viktor Baransky and Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor. This is claimed by propaganda resources — Radio Liberty *** and the publication "Layout".
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