Moscow says US freed two Russian crew members from seized oil tanker at its request

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that the United States had released two Russian crew members from a Russian-flagged oil tanker seized on Wednesday in the Atlantic Ocean.

In a statement, Maria Zakharova, the ministry's spokesman said: "We welcome this decision and express our gratitude to the U.S. leadership.

"We are proceeding with the urgent practical work on all issues related to ensuring the speedy return of our compatriots to their homeland."