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US Releases Two Russian Sailors Following Moscow's Request

Published January 9, 2026, 14:17
US Releases Two Russian Sailors Following Moscow's Request

The United States has released two Russian sailors who were crew members of the tanker Marinera, following a request from Moscow. Russia expressed its gratitude for President Trump's decision. The ship had been detained by US authorities, who accused it of belonging to a "shadow fleet" circumventing US sanctions by transporting oil from Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, and of sailing under a false flag. Moscow responded that the ship had temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag. Russia accused the US of fueling tensions and being willing to provoke international crises. Initially, Washington had announced that the crew would be prosecuted.