ISTANBUL

Russia said Friday that the United States has decided to release two Russian citizens who were crew members aboard the oil tanker Marinera, which was earlier seized by US forces in the North Atlantic following an appeal by Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the decision was taken by US President Donald Trump, adding that Moscow welcomed the move and expressed gratitude to the US leadership.

“In response to our appeal, US President Donald Trump decided to release two Russian citizens from among the crew of the tanker Marinera, who had earlier been detained by the American side during an operation in the North Atlantic,” Zakharova said in a statement.

She said Russia has begun urgent practical work to address all issues related to ensuring the swift return of the released citizens to their homeland.

The announcement followed strong condemnation by Moscow of the US seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker, previously known as M/V Bella 1. Russian authorities described the operation as an illegal military action and a gross violation of international maritime law.

Russia had demanded the immediate release of the vessel and its crew, rejecting Washington’s claims that the tanker was stateless or operating under a false flag.