Turkey warns Moscow and Kyiv to keep energy infrastructure out of war

Turkey has called on both Russia and Ukraine to refrain from targeting energy facilities after a series of Black Sea drone attacks, which Kyiv claimed hit vessels connected to Russia, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated.

Addressing a small group of journalists in Istanbul, Bayraktar emphasized that any disruption to energy infrastructure could have serious repercussions for global markets and people's daily lives. He noted that both countries had already experienced attacks on their energy assets.

"We urge all parties, in Russia and Ukraine, to leave energy infrastructure out of this conflict, as it directly impacts the lives of ordinary people," Bayraktar said.

Recent incidents included explosions last Friday targeting two empty oil tankers off Turkey's Black Sea coast, with at least one heading to a Russian port. According to a Ukrainian security source, their forces used naval drones to strike the vessels, which were allegedly transporting Russian oil secretly. A third tanker was hit on Tuesday while traveling from Russia to Georgia. Russia confirmed the strike, but Ukraine denied involvement.

Bayraktar highlighted that energy facilities had been repeatedly targeted during the ongoing conflict. "Ukraines energy infrastructure has been a main target, and the reverse has also occurred with attacks on Russian facilities," he said.

Turkey is pressing for uninterrupted energy flows in the Black Sea, through its straits, and via pipelines, stating that infrastructure should remain "outside this conflict."

While Washington has urged countries including Turkey to reduce oil and gas imports from Russia, Bayraktar stressed that Ankara has been transparent about its supply requirements and long-term contracts. He noted that Russia has historically been a reliable supplier, with market shares reaching up to 60 percent in some years, and around 40 percent last year.

However, he stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources. "We cannot depend on a single country or supplier for a large portion of our needs. Securing supply is our top priority," Bayraktar said. Turkey has openly communicated its requirements to Washington and other partners, sourcing gas from Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and additional providers.

Regarding Russia, Ankara and Moscow are negotiating an extension of the gas contract set to expire on December 31, with Gazprom expected to continue deliveries next year. Bayraktar indicated that Turkey is currently focused on short-term contracts of one year, aiming for affordable, competitive, and secure gas supply for the Turkish market.

Author: Noah Whitman