The United States has released two Russian citizens who were aboard an oil tanker seized by American special forces in a high-stakes maritime operation, according to an announcement from Moscow.
Dramatic Seizure in International Waters
On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, US military forces captured the oil tanker Marinera in a dramatic intervention. The operation took place in the North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland, as the vessel was heading towards Russia. American troops boarded the ship, which was originally named the Bella 1.
This action followed a major US military intervention in Venezuela, which resulted in the removal of President Nicolas Maduro from power. He was subsequently brought to New York to face trial.
Release of Russian Crew Members
On Friday, 9 January, Russia's foreign ministry stated that the two detained Russian crew members had been freed. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed the development, linking it to direct diplomatic appeals.
"In response to our appeal, US President Donald Trump decided to release two Russian citizens from the crew of the tanker Marinera, who had been detained by the American side during an operation in the North Atlantic," Zakharova said.
She added, "We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the US leadership. We are now urgently working on all practical issues related to ensuring the speedy return of our compatriots to their homeland." The US has not publicly commented on Russia's claim regarding the release.
Background of the Marinera Tanker
The seized vessel has a complex and controversial history. The Marinera was sanctioned in 2024 on allegations of smuggling cargo for a company connected to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
American forces had been pursuing the tanker for a fortnight after it reportedly slipped through a naval blockade around Venezuela. A previous attempt by the US Coast Guard to intercept the ship last month failed when it refused permission to be boarded.
The ship's registration has also shifted. It sailed under a Guyana flag when it departed the Caribbean but was later re-registered under a Russian flag prior to its seizure.
Wider Context: Venezuela and Trump's Statement
The tanker seizure is part of a broader geopolitical confrontation. Also on Friday, President Donald Trump announced he had 'cancelled' a planned second wave of attacks on Venezuela. He cited the release of a large number of political prisoners within Venezuela as the reason for halting further military action.
This sequence of events underscores the tense international climate, linking actions in the Atlantic directly to the volatile situation in South America and US-Russia relations.
