The MV Faina was seized in late September and is being monitored by nearby U.S. naval ships.

CNN: Somali forces free pirate hostages

What is clear is that if the Faina ever reaches Mombasa, Kenya will have to take delivery, very publicly, of the T-72s.

ECONOMIST: Kenya and Sudan

The Faina is owned and operated by Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine, and its crew includes citizens of Ukraine, Russia and Latvia, the Navy said.

CNN: Somalia asks Russia for help with pirates

It probably explains why a report of a deadly shoot-out amongst the pirates onboard the MV Faina was denied by the vessel's hijackers.

BBC: Somali pirates living the high life

The Faina had been headed to the Kenyan port of Mombasa after departing from Nikolayev, Ukraine, and was seized not far from its destination.

CNN: Somalia asks Russia for help with pirates