Newscenter Media News 
The United States has freed two Russian nationals from the crew of the seized oil tanker after their detainment during the January 7 operation in the North Atlantic.
President Donald Trump approved the release following an appeal by the Russian government, which has claimed ownership of the vessel linked to Venezuela.
On Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the U.S. leadership, adding that action was underway to ensure the return of the citizens to their homeland.
The ministry, however, expressed grave concern over the “illegal use of force” by American forces against the tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella 1.
Moscow said it was “temporarily authorised to fly the Russian flag” on December 24 in line with international law, and was “transiting peacefully” through international waters to a Russian port.
In its official response, Russia noted that U.S. authorities were repeatedly provided with official information confirming the vessel’s Russian registration and its civilian, non-military status.
Citing international maritime law, which grants the flag state exclusive jurisdiction over a vessel, Moscow said stopping it is only permitted under defined cases such as suspected piracy or slave trading.
Russia called the boarding and seizure of a civilian vessel by the U.S., despite its refusal to provide consent, “a gross violation of fundamental principles and norms of international maritime law.”
The Federation said America’s references to its “sanctions legislation” have no legal foundation, even as it decried the threats of legal action against the crew, which includes citizens of several countries.
The unilateral restrictive measures imposed by the United States and other Western countries, as well as their assertion on jurisdiction are “illegitimate,” the statement maintained.
“Washington’s readiness to provoke acute international crises, including in Russian-American relations, which are already severely strained, is both regrettable and alarming,” it added.
Russia warned that the vessel seizure could escalate military-political tensions in the Euro-Atlantic region and lower the threshold for using force against civilian shipping.
US releases detained Russians as Moscow protests vessel seizure