As reported by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, this step was taken in response to a request from the Russian side. She noted that the Russian side welcomes this decision and expresses gratitude to the American authorities. "We will begin urgent work on the issues related to the return of our citizens to their homeland," Zakharova added.
It is worth recalling that on January 7, American military forces boarded the tanker "Marinera," despite the close presence of Russian military vessels and a submarine. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard effectively seized the vessel.
The European Command of the U.S. Armed Forces reported that the detention of the tanker occurred due to alleged violations of sanctions. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that the seizure of the vessel, registered under the Russian flag, was justified by the necessity to block the transportation of Venezuelan oil.
It is also reported that British military forces participated in the operation to seize the tanker "Marinera" off the coast of Iceland, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defense. In turn, the Russian Ministry of Transport stated that the tanker received temporary permission to use the Russian flag.
In conclusion, Russia insisted that the American side show humane and dignified treatment towards its citizens aboard the tanker "Marinera."
