Ankara issues stern warning to Kyiv following Black Sea tanker attacks PHOTO

Türkiye has responded firmly to recent attacks on vessels in the Black Sea under its jurisdiction, signaling heightened concern over regional maritime security.

Turkish Foreign Ministry officials promptly contacted their Ukrainian counterparts after a series of attacks near Turkish territorial waters, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

On December 3, the MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, en route from Russia to Georgia, was attacked off the coast of Sinop. The vessel, carrying sunflower oil, successfully anchored at the port of Sinop under its own power following the assault. Türkiye’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs reported that the tanker was targeted 80 miles offshore and that all 13 crew members were unharmed.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi denied any Ukrainian involvement in the MIDVOLGA-2 incident.

However, Turkish authorities recalled earlier attacks in the region. On November 28, the Russian tanker KAIROS, flying the Gambian flag, was targeted 28 miles from Turkish waters near Kocaeli, followed hours later by an attack on the Russian tanker VIRAT, 35 miles offshore. Ukraine claimed responsibility for both attacks.

In response, Turkish officials convened an emergency coordination meeting. Diplomatic sources reported that Ankara issued a clear warning: “Do not bring the war to our shores,” underscoring that Turkish authorities would closely monitor maritime activity to prevent further incidents.

Following the session, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned the attacks, stating: “We cannot in any way justify these attacks, which endanger navigation, human lives, and environmental safety, especially in our own exclusive zone.”

By Vafa Guliyeva