Ukrainians on board: the US detained a Russian tanker for sanctions violations.

According to ТСН: On board the oil tanker Bella-1, which was detained by the US Coast Guard for violating sanctions against Russia, were citizens of Ukraine.

According to Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna, diplomats are actively working to establish contact with the sailors and clarify all the details of their stay on the Russian vessel.

"We are in constant contact with American authorities and have already informed the State Department about the need to ensure consular access to our citizens. The embassy is keeping the situation under control and is taking all necessary measures to establish communication with the Ukrainian citizens," Stefanishyna reported.

The oil tanker Bella-1 (also known as Marinera), owned by the Russian company Burevestmarin, was seized by American military forces in the Caribbean Sea after a week-long pursuit. The operation was supported by the United Kingdom. In addition to this tanker, the Coast Guard also detained the tankers M-Sophia and Olina, which are linked to Russia's shadow fleet and illegal fuel logistics.

The Ukrainian embassy in the US has already sent several official requests to confirm the presence of Ukrainian citizens on other detained tankers. Diplomats are coordinating their actions with American law enforcement to provide legal and consular support to Ukrainians found on sanctioned vessels of the aggressor country.

What is known about the capture of the oil tanker flying the Russian flag

The US seized the oil tanker Marinera (formerly Bella-1) after a two-week pursuit in the Atlantic.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on the US to return Russian citizens from the seized tanker to their homeland.

The White House spokeswoman, Caroline Levitt, noted that the administration will not tolerate violations of sanctions, and the crew of the seized tanker has already been issued a court arrest warrant for further consideration in the US.

US President Donald Trump commented on the situation with the capture of the oil tanker and spoke about whether he had communicated with Russian President Vladimir Putin after this incident.

Subsequently, Russia claimed that the US allegedly released two Russian crew members from the seized tanker Marinera.

This situation continues to generate wide resonance on the international stage, exposing not only issues of sanctions but also maritime security. The flow of new information regarding the status of Ukrainian sailors and Russia's reaction to US actions leaves a universal impression of escalating tension in relations between the countries.