Ukrainian Sailors Freed from 'Marinera' Refuse to Return Home

Sixteen Ukrainian sailors detained by the U.S. on a ship have been released, but they do not plan to return to Ukraine out of fear of criminal prosecution and charges of treason. This was reported by Ukrainian media following conversations with the sailors.

Of the 17 Ukrainians, only one senior assistant remains in custody. The sailors included residents from Odesa, Kherson, and one from Kyiv. When they were hired, they were assured that the ship had no ties to Russia and was not subject to international sanctions.

The company is registered in the Seychelles, and the voyage to Venezuela was originally not planned. However, after the tankers were renamed under the Russian flag and detained by U.S. forces, the situation changed. The remaining sailors were provided with tickets to the countries they requested and were released.