Russia says US should not impede speedy return of Russians on seized tanker to homeland

MOSCOW -- The United States should not impede the speedy return of Russians on board a seized Russian-flagged tanker to their homeland, TASS news agency reported Wednesday, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"Considering the incoming information regarding the presence of Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure their humane and dignified treatment, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not impede their speedy return to their homeland," the ministry was quoted as saying.

The ministry added that it is closely monitoring reports of the boarding of US troops on the vessel in the North Atlantic.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Transport Ministry said the vessel was granted temporary authorization on Dec 24, 2025 to sail under the Russian state flag in accordance with Russian legislation and international law.

It said US naval forces boarded the ship at around 3 pm Moscow time (1200 GMT) on Wednesday while the vessel was in the high seas outside the territorial waters of any state, after which contact with the ship was lost.

"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," the ministry added.