Türkiye has reported that a third Russian tanker has been attacked by Ukraine naval forces in the Black Sea, escalating concerns over the safety of maritime routes in the region. The incident, confirmed on 2 December by the Turkish Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, involved the Midvolga-2, a Russian-flagged vessel transporting sunflower oil to Georgia.
Officials stated the tanker came under attack approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) off Türkiye’s coast, within its exclusive economic zone. Despite the strike, the ship remained operational and continued towards the port of Sinop. All 13 crew members were unharmed, and the vessel did not request assistance.
The attack follows two earlier strikes on Russian tankers, the Kairos and Virat, which were hit by Ukrainian naval drones on 28 November. Both vessels, reportedly part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to circumvent sanctions, sustained damage but their crews were rescued by Turkish coast guard units.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the latest incident, describing it as a “worrying escalation” that threatens navigational safety and regional stability. He stressed that Türkiye would not tolerate attacks within its exclusive economic zone, warning that the conflict is now directly endangering international trade and energy flows.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these concerns, calling the strikes “very scary” and emphasising that they disrupt commerce and violate maritime safety. Ankara has begun consultations with Romania, Bulgaria, and NATO allies to explore additional security measures in the Black Sea.
The attacks highlight Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian oil shipments, which Kyiv argues are funding Moscow’s war effort. Ukrainian sources claimed responsibility for the earlier strikes, saying they were aimed at vessels transporting sanctioned Russian oil.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar urged both Moscow and Kyiv to keep energy infrastructure out of the conflict, warning that disruptions could destabilise global markets. “We tell all the parties, in Russia and Ukraine: keep the energy infrastructures out of this war, because this is very much linked to people’s daily lives,” he said.
Insurance premiums for ships entering the Black Sea have already surged, with shipping companies reassessing operations. Some Turkish firms have suspended voyages linked to Russia due to heightened risks.
Türkiye insists it will continue engaging both sides diplomatically to prevent the war from spreading further across the Black Sea. Officials emphasise that Ankara’s priority is safeguarding navigation, protecting economic interests, and ensuring the region remains open to trade.
Sources: ABC News, EADaily, Al Jazeera
