Moscow Says US Released Two Russian Crew From Seized Tanker

Moscow – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – On Friday, Russia said the United States has decided to free two Russian crew members from the Marinera, a Russian-flagged oil tanker that U.S. authorities seized earlier this week in the North Atlantic. Washington says the tanker was part of a so-called “shadow fleet” carrying oil in ways that violated U.S. sanctions, and its capture took place even as the ship was being monitored by the Russian navy.

The Russian citizens from the crew of seized tanker ‘Marinera’ are being RELEASED — Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Trump has agreed to release them ‘in response to our appeal’

‘We welcome this decision’ https://t.co/Yi31CEZEVu pic.twitter.com/9Qw658tI5Q

— RT (@RT_com) January 9, 2026

“In response to our request, US President Donald Trump has decided to release two Russian citizens aboard the Marinera tanker, previously detained by the United States during an operation in the North Atlantic,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

Pakistan awaits US response on Gaza stabilization force

“We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the US leadership,” she added.

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev said on Telegram that Trump decided to release “all Russians” on board the Marinera tanker.

The United States said previously the Marinera’s crew could be prosecuted — which Russia said was “categorically unacceptable.”

Moscow on Thursday accused Washington of stoking tensions and threatening international shipping with the seizure of the tanker, which it has cast as illegal.

Pakistan and OIC join 22 Muslim nations condemning Israeli visit

Russia’s foreign ministry said the move will “only result in further military and political tensions”, adding that it was worried by “Washington’s willingness to generate acute international crisis situations.”