A Russian-flagged tanker, MIDVOLGA-2, carrying sunflower oil reported a drone attack off Turkey’s coast on Tuesday, with no injuries to its 13 crew members, according to Turkey’s maritime authority and the Tribeca shipping agency. This incident follows Ukrainian naval drone strikes last week on sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea, targeting vessels heading to Russian ports to load oil for export.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry denied involvement in the latest attack, arguing it was illogical given the ship’s route to Georgia. A spokesperson suggested the possibility of a staged event by Russia. In response to the attacks on ships in the Russian “shadow fleet,” President Vladimir Putin warned of increased assaults on Ukrainian targets and potential restrictions on maritime access.
Besiktas Shipping, which experienced damage to one of its tankers near Senegal, suspended all operations linked to Russia due to heightened security concerns. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan labeled attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea as intolerable, urging all parties to ensure navigational safety in the region. Turkey continues to balance its relations with both Ukraine and Russia while maintaining a crucial maritime role.
