Zakharova added: "We are starting urgent work on all aspects related to the return of our citizens to their homeland."
It is worth noting that on January 7, American forces detained two tankers — Bella 1 (also known as Marinera) and Sophia, which, according to the U.S., are involved in circumventing sanctions and transporting Venezuelan oil.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, reported that both vessels were either already in Venezuela or heading there.
On board the tanker Marinera were two Russians, 20 Ukrainians, and six citizens of Georgia, including the captain.
As previously noted by White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, the crew of the detained vessels will be presented before an American court. She clarified that the court order allowing the arrest of the vessel also applies to the crew members, enabling their transfer to the U.S. for prosecution.
In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the tanker was sailing under the Russian flag and was making a peaceful passage in international waters, heading to one of the Russian ports. The American side was officially notified of the vessel's affiliation with Russia.
Photo on the main page: gazeta.ru.
