Russia on Wednesday demanded that The United States ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian nationals aboard the seized tanker and called for their prompt return to their homeland, TASS reported. The move came after the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker by US military forces. The remarks come in the backdrop of the United States’ seizure of the tanker for alleged sanctions violations, an action that Russia has criticised as a breach of international law and maritime norms. Originally named Bella 1, the tanker was sanctioned in 2024 and renamed Marinera. As per the WSJ report, Bella 1 was trying to evade the US blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela for over a fortnight.

Source: News 24 January 07, 2026 20:49 UTC