Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the recent attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, calling the actions "unacceptable" and issuing a stern warning to all involved parties.
The attacks, which targeted commercial vessels off Türkiye's northern coast, come amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and have raised serious concerns over navigational safety in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Erdoğan highlighted the nature of the incident, particularly given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
"It is seen that the war between Russia and Ukraine has reached a point where it clearly threatens navigational safety in the Black Sea. Friday's targeting of commercial ships in our exclusive economic zone signals a worrying escalation," Erdoğan said.
The attacks occurred on Friday, 28 November, when unmanned Ukrainian naval drones hit two sanctioned Russian tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, as they headed to the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load oil for foreign markets.
The tankers were reportedly empty at the time of the attack. This move is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to exert pressure on Russia's oil industry, which remains a significant source of revenue for Moscow despite international sanctions.
"We cannot condone these attacks, which threaten navigational, life, and environmental safety, particularly in our own exclusive zone," Erdoğan added.
He emphasised Türkiye's commitment to ensuring the security of the Black Sea and confirmed that the Turkish government had issued necessary warnings to all relevant parties.
The recent escalation of hostilities in the Black Sea reflects the broader tensions in the ongoing conflict, as both Russia and Ukraine continue to target critical infrastructure in the region. Türkiye, which has maintained a delicate balancing act in its relations with both sides, has reiterated the importance of preserving peace and stability in the Black Sea, particularly given its strategic position as a key player in the region's security.
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