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

Turkey has issued a warning to both Russia and Ukraine to keep energy facilities out of the ongoing conflict, following a series of Black Sea drone strikes reportedly carried out by Kyiv against vessels linked to Russia, according to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

In response to these incidents, Ankara has called in envoys from Russia and Ukraine, a source from the Turkish Foreign Ministry told AFP. Bayraktar, speaking to journalists in Istanbul, emphasized that attacks on energy infrastructure would have far-reaching consequences on global markets and everyday costs for citizens, noting that both countries energy facilities have already been hit during the conflict.

"We urge all parties in Russia and Ukraine: keep energy infrastructure out of this war, as it directly affects people's daily lives," Bayraktar stated.

Last Friday, two empty oil tankers near Turkey's Black Sea coast were damaged by explosions, one of which was reportedly headed to a Russian port. A Ukrainian security source confirmed that Kyivs forces had used naval drones to strike the vessels, which were allegedly transporting Russian oil. A third tanker traveling from Russia to Georgia was also attacked on Tuesday; Russia attributed the strike to a Ukrainian drone, while Ukraine denied involvement.

"Envoys from Russia and Ukraine have been summoned to express our concerns," the Foreign Ministry source said.

Bayraktar highlighted that energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict. "We are aware that Ukraines energy facilities were major targets, and conversely, Ukraine has struck some facilities in Russia," he added. He stressed Turkeys position that energy systems should remain protected to ensure uninterrupted flows through the Black Sea, the Turkish straits, and pipelines.

A Turkish Defense Ministry source stated that Ankara is implementing measures to mitigate war-related maritime threats. "Even if maritime security is enhanced, lasting peace is crucial for stable operations in the region," the source noted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Ukrainian drone attacks as "piracy," warning of expanded strikes on Ukrainian ports and ships involved, and threatening potential retaliation against vessels aiding Ukraine. He suggested that a possible extreme measure could involve blocking Ukraine from maritime access entirely.

Turkey has maintained transparency with Washington regarding its energy needs. Bayraktar noted that Russia has historically been a reliable supplier, providing around 60 percent of Turkeys gas in some years, and approximately 40 percent last year. However, he stressed the importance of diversifying supply sources to avoid over-reliance on any single country or company.

"Energy security is our top priority," Bayraktar said. "Turkey requires gas not only from Russia, but also from Iran, Azerbaijan, and other sources." Negotiations with Moscow are ongoing to extend the gas contract set to expire on December 31, focusing on short-term, competitive, and secure supply agreements for the Turkish market.

Author: Logan Reeves