The presence of Ukrainian citizens has also been confirmed in the Russian oil tanker Bela-1 seized by America. This information has been given by the Ukrainian Embassy in America. The Russian citizens present there have been released. According to the report of Ukrainian news portal Pravda, the embassy has said that it is in constant contact with the US authorities on this matter and has demanded to ensure consular access to the Ukrainian citizens present on the ship. The Ukrainian Embassy clarified that further action will be decided after all the facts are known. The embassy also said that it is monitoring the situation and necessary steps are being taken to establish contact with Ukrainian citizens.

Citizens of which countries were aboard the Russian tanker?

Russian TV channel REN TV had claimed that there were 20 Ukrainians, 6 Georgians and 2 Russian citizens on board the ship. According to reports, 3 Indians were also part of the crew. However, the Ukrainian Embassy has not officially confirmed these figures and has said that it is waiting for information from the US administration. It is noteworthy that on January 7, the American Army had taken control of two oil tankers. One of these tankers was registered under the Russian flag, which was captured by the US after a chase of more than two weeks.

Why was the oil tanker seized?

America alleges that these tankers were violating international sanctions and were involved in illegal oil transportation. America had said that a case could also be filed against the crew of the ships in America. US Vice President JD Vance had said that the Bela-1 tanker was trying to avoid accountability by calling itself a Russian ship. After this, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that America has decided to release the two Russian citizens present on the tanker.

Are there Russians on board?

Russia said that the release of Russian citizens became possible after the decision of US President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova welcomed this decision and expressed gratitude to the American leadership. Meanwhile, Ukraine is also investigating how many crew members present on the ship are Ukrainian citizens and what will be their legal status. The whole matter has come to light at a time when relations between America and Russia are already tense. At the same time, he is supporting Ukraine trapped in war.