US Frees Two Russian Crew Detained On Seized Oil Tanker Claims

In a sign of easing tensions, the United States has released two Russian crew members from an oil tanker seized in the North Atlantic. The vessel, the Marinera, was intercepted by American forces earlier this week on suspicion of being part of a "shadow fleet" used to bypass international sanctions. Despite being escorted by the Russian Navy at the time, the ship was boarded and its crew detained.

The release came after a direct request from Moscow to President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed her country's gratitude on Friday, noting that the two citizens are now being prepared for their return home. The decision is seen as a diplomatic olive branch in an otherwise frosty relationship between the two superpowers.

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The Marinera was allegedly carrying oil for countries including Russia, Venezuela, and Iran all of which are under various US sanctions. Washington had initially threatened the crew with prosecution for violating maritime laws and sanctions regimes. This stance had prompted a fierce response from Moscow, which called the seizure an "illegal military action" and a violation of international law.

​President Trump’s decision to intervene personally to free the sailors suggests a preference for deal-making over prolonged legal battles. By releasing the crew while still holding the vessel, the US maintains its pressure on the "shadow fleet" while avoiding a more serious diplomatic fallout with the Kremlin. It is a delicate balancing act that has become a hallmark of the current administration.

For the families of the two sailors, the news is a massive relief. They had been caught in the crossfire of global energy politics and sanctions enforcement. While the tanker itself remains in US custody, the human element of the dispute has been partially resolved, at least for now.

​“The American authorities said the tanker was part of a shadow fleet that carried oil… in violation of US sanctions.”