The tension between America and Russia escalated over a rusty old vacant oil tanker. Russia deployed its submarine and navy to protect the tanker, but on Wednesday, America seized the ship in the Atlantic Ocean near Iceland. Russia strongly condemned the seizure of the oil tanker, demanding the return of its crew on board. Responding promptly to Russia's firm stance, America released two of the crew members.
According to the news agency AFP, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that upon Russia's request, America released the Russian crew members.
Zakharova stated, 'We welcome this decision and express gratitude towards the American leadership.'
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev also informed via Telegram that Donald Trump decided to release 'all Russians' aboard the Mariner tanker.
Bella 1, also known as Mariner, is a vessel sanctioned by America. In 2024, the US imposed a ban on this vessel, stating that it was part of the 'shadow fleet' tankers involved in transporting illegal Iranian oil.
Last month, the ship set off for Venezuela to procure oil when the American Coast Guard started tailing it, attempting to seize it. At the time, the ship bore the flag of Guyana. Spotting the US Coast Guard, the vessel turned towards the Atlantic Ocean and camouflaged the ship's sides with a painted Russian flag to mislead them.
Subsequently, the ship was listed as Mariner in the Russian shipping register. As it navigated towards Europe, Russia dispatched its navy for its protection, sparking heightened tensions between Russia and America.
To seize the ship, America sought assistance from Britain, successfully capturing it on Wednesday. Onboard were 28 crew members, including three Indians.
