Zakharova expressed gratitude to the American authorities and noted that urgent actions have been initiated to ensure the return of Russian citizens to their homeland.
It is worth reminding that on January 7, American forces detained two tankers, Bella 1, also known as Marinera, and Sophia, suspected of violating sanctions and transporting oil from Venezuela.
Kristi Noem, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, stated that both vessels were linked to Venezuela or were in its waters.
On board the tanker Marinera were two Russians, 20 citizens of Ukraine, and six citizens of Georgia, including the captain.
According to White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, the crew of the tanker will be tried in the U.S. She clarified that the court's decision regarding the detention of the vessel also applies to its crew, allowing them to be brought to the U.S. for legal proceedings.
According to statements from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the tanker was legally under the Russian flag and was heading to one of the Russian ports, making a peaceful passage in international waters. The Russian side officially notified the U.S. of the vessel's ownership.
Photo on the main page: gazeta.ru.
