Ukrainian sailors freed from Russian "shadow fleet" fear returning home

As many as sixteen Ukrainian sailors who were detained aboard a tanker linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” have been released but say they do not intend to return to Ukraine, citing fears of possible prosecution and accusations of treason.

The sailors were among the crew of a vessel detained by the United States. Speaking to Ukraine’s public broadcaster, they said they feared they could face legal consequences if they returned home, despite insisting they had been misled about the ship’s ownership and operations.

Of the 17 Ukrainian nationals originally held, only the chief mate remains under arrest. The others have been allowed to leave.

The crew included sailors from Odesa and Kherson, as well as one from Kyiv. They say they were assured at the time of hiring that the tanker had no links to Russia and was not subject to international sanctions.

The company operating the vessel was registered in the Seychelles, and a voyage to Venezuela was not initially indicated, they added.

The situation changed after the ship reportedly switched to a Russian flag and was subsequently detained by US authorities. Five of the Ukrainian sailors later gave statements to the FBI.

The remaining crew members were provided with tickets to countries of their choosing and released, according to the report.

Two Russian citizens were also on board the tanker and have likewise been freed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev