Moscow: Russia announced on Saturday that the United States has not yet fulfilled its commitment to release two Russian nationals who were detained as part of the crew of the seized oil tanker, Marinera, Russian officials told state media. ‘We still have no clarity on when the American side will finally fulfill its promise — at the highest level — to release Russian citizens from the crew of the Marinera tanker detained by the Americans,’ stated Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

According to Anadolu Agency, Moscow claims that an assurance for the release was given earlier this month following high-level diplomatic contacts between the two countries, yet the release has not been executed. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, expressed disappointment over the delay, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

Russian officials have repeatedly asserted that US President Donald Trump had decided to release the two Russian crew members from the Marinera. This decision was reportedly announced on January 9 after a request from Moscow. The Marinera was seized by US forces on January 7 in the North Atlantic Ocean due to alleged violations of US sanctions. The United States has described the tanker as part of Venezuela’s ‘shadow fleet’ transporting oil subject to US restrictions. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt maintained that the seizure was justified under those sanctions.