As reported by the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, this decision by the president was a response to a request from Russian authorities. Zakharova noted: "We are pleased with this step and express our gratitude to the U.S. We are starting urgent work to return our citizens home."
For reference, on January 7, an American landing force seized the tanker Marinera, despite the proximity of Russian military vessels and submarines. The U.S. Coast Guard effectively carried out the seizure of the ship.
According to a statement from the U.S. European Command, the seizure of the tanker was due to violations of sanctions. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth clarified that the detention was related to the blockade of Venezuelan oil transportation.
Additionally, as confirmed by the British Ministry of Defense, British forces participated in the operation to seize the Russian oil tanker off the coast of Iceland.
In turn, the Russian Ministry of Transport reported that the tanker Marinera received temporary permission to use the Russian flag.
Russia demanded that the American side treat the Russians aboard the tanker Marinera humanely.
