Turkey criticizes Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil tankers near Black Sea shore

ISTANBUL The Turkish authorities have strongly criticized Ukrainian drone strikes targeting two Russian oil tankers, known as part of a shadow fleet, in the Black Sea. Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, Oncu Keceli, stated that the attacks on the vessels Kairos and Virat took place within Turkeys exclusive economic zone, creating significant threats to navigation, human life, property, and environmental safety in the area.

In a social media update on Saturday evening, Keceli mentioned that Turkey is engaging with the relevant parties to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine into the Black Sea region and to safeguard Turkeys economic interests.

Ukraine reported that it deployed naval drones to strike the tankers in rapid succession near Turkeys Black Sea coast late Friday. Officials confirmed that all crew members on both ships remained unharmed.

According to the OpenSanctions database, which monitors entities involved in sanctions evasion, these vessels are part of a fleet used to bypass sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has successfully carried out naval attacks on Russian shipping, primarily employing explosive-laden marine drones. Until now, Ukrainian operations were mostly confined to the northern Black Sea waters.

Author: Sophia Brooks