Ukraine targets 'shadow fleet' as Russian tanker is hit off Turkey

A Russian-flagged tanker operating in the Black Sea reported being attacked near the Turkish coastline, marking the third such incident in just one week. According to the Turkish Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, the vessel Midvolga-2 experienced the attack roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) offshore. The tanker was carrying sunflower oil destined for Georgia at the time of the incident.

This event follows previous strikes on two other Russian-flagged ships, which Kyiv identified as part of Russias shadow fleet transporting crude oil in defiance of international sanctions. Following Fridays attacks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described assaults on commercial vessels in the Black Sea as a serious escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The Midvolga-2 crew, consisting of 13 members, remained unharmed. The directorate confirmed via social media platform X that the tanker did not request external assistance and continued its journey toward Sinop port in Turkey. Turkish media outlet NTV reported that the attack involved a kamikaze drone. A Turkish official informed Reuters that messages regarding the incident were shared with relevant parties, including Ukrainian authorities.

On Friday, Ukraine targeted the Kairos and Virat vessels as they approached a Russian port to load oil for international markets, a Kyiv official told Reuters. Research by the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) revealed that in the first nine months of this year, 113 vessels sailed under false flags, transporting approximately 11 million tonnes of Russian crude valued at 4.7 billion ($5.4 billion).

Turkey has maintained diplomatic ties with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the ongoing conflict, which began with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ankara has positioned itself as a mediator, hosting several rounds of peace negotiations. As a NATO member, Turkey has provided military support to Ukraine while refraining from joining Western sanctions against Russia and emphasizing the importance of Black Sea navigation safety.

President Erdogan stated in a televised speech that Turkey condemns attacks jeopardizing maritime safety, human life, and the environment, particularly within its exclusive economic zone, and has issued warnings to all involved parties.

Kyiv, which has endured extensive attacks on its energy infrastructure, has recently focused on targeting Russias oil industry to cut off revenue funding the war effort. Attacks have been concentrated on refineries and crude terminals. In response, Russias foreign ministry labeled the Ukrainian strikes on oil tankers and infrastructure as terrorism that endangers navigation freedom in the region. Recently, a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at an oil facility in Russias southern Oryol region.

Author: Sophia Brooks