In a bold move that has sharply escalated regional tensions, Ukrainian forces have targeted a third Russian-linked oil tanker in the Black Sea near Turkey within a span of 48 hours. This action comes despite a clear warning from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, marking a significant defiance from Kyiv.
Details of the Drone Strikes
The series of attacks unfolded near Turkey's strategically vital Black Sea coast. According to reports confirmed by a Ukrainian security source to AFP, Kyiv deployed its Sea Baby naval drones to strike vessels suspected of covertly transporting Russian oil, bypassing international sanctions.
Turkish authorities reported that one tanker, named the Midvolga 2, came under attack approximately 80 nautical miles offshore. In a more sustained assault, the Gambian-flagged vessel Virat was reportedly hit twice within a single 24-hour period. These incidents represent a significant intensification of Ukraine's maritime campaign against Russia's energy exports.
International Condemnation and Warnings
The strikes triggered immediate and strong reactions from regional powers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly condemned the attacks, labeling them a "worrying escalation." He emphasized that such actions endangered civilian lives and posed a direct threat to the security of Turkey's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea.
On the Russian side, the response was equally sharp. Major international networks like CNN and AP identified the targeted tankers as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet"—older vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov issued a stern warning following the incidents, underscoring the growing risks of the conflict spilling over into crucial maritime corridors.
Broader Implications and Regional Fallout
This latest development signifies a dangerous new chapter in the Ukraine-Russia war, with the Black Sea emerging as a critical and volatile frontline. By striking tankers so close to a NATO member's waters, Ukraine is testing the limits of regional tolerance and international maritime law.
The strategy appears aimed at crippling a vital stream of revenue for Moscow's war effort by targeting its oil exports. However, it also risks drawing neighboring states into the fray and complicating delicate diplomatic balances. The defiance of Erdogan's warning highlights Kyiv's determination to use all available means to pressure Russia, even at the cost of straining relations with other Black Sea nations.
The world now watches closely to see how Turkey and Russia will respond to this audacious escalation, which has undoubtedly raised the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
