Turkish authorities: Russian tanker reports drone attack off Black Sea coast

A Russian-flagged tanker en route to Georgia reported an attack off Türkiye’s coast, with its 13 crew unharmed, according to the country’s maritime authority.

The MIDVOLGA-2 signalled that it had come under attack roughly 80 miles off Türkiye’s coast while carrying sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia. The vessel did not ask for assistance and continued toward the port of Sinop, Türkiye, the country’s maritime authority said, noting that the tanker remained in motion and that the crew were safe.

The authority gave no further information, but Turkish broadcaster NTV reported that the attack involved a kamikaze drone. A Turkish official, asked about the incident, said the necessary messages were passed to all relevant parties, including Ukrainian authorities, without elaborating.

The strike followed Friday’s Ukrainian naval drone hits on two tankers sanctioned by Kyiv and several Western allies as they headed to a Russian port to load oil for foreign markets. Those actions were part of Ukraine’s broader campaign to increase pressure on Russia’s extensive oil industry.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea were unacceptable, warning all related sides that such actions risk destabilising a vital maritime corridor.

• Erdoğan: Türkiye condemns attacks on Black Sea commercial ships
• Ukraine hits two Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers with drones in Black Sea

Türkiye, a NATO member, has maintained cordial ties with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict. It has supplied military support to Ukraine while choosing not to join Western sanctions on Russia.

Ankara has previously hosted three rounds of peace talks between the two sides in Istanbul and has repeatedly offered to facilitate a leaders’ meeting, insisting that a political end to the conflict must be pursued. Türkiye has also emphasised that navigational safety in the Black Sea is essential, given its shared maritime borders with Russia and Ukraine and the rising risks to commercial shipping.

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Ukraine Russia Black Sea maritime security Russia Ukraine war Recep Tayyip Erdoğan tanker attack