Türkiye concerned over attacks on tankers in Black Sea, says ruling MP

Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has expressed concern over recent attacks on the KAİROS and VİRAT tankers in the Black Sea.

Sharing a post on X, AKP Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala highlighted the risks posed by attacks on vessels in Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone, per Caliber.Az.

Karadeniz Münhasır Ekonomik Bölgemizde gerçekleşen ticari tanker saldırılarının oluşturduğu riskleri endişeyle izliyor ve Türkiye olarak; bölgede seyrüsefer ve deniz güvenliğinin zarar görmesinin kimseye fayda sağlamayacağının altını çiziyoruz. Ayrıca, ekonomik çıkarlarımızın…

— Efkan Âlâ (@efkanala) November 29, 2025

“We are following with concern the risks posed by the commercial tanker attacks occurring in our Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zone, and as Türkiye, we underscore that any harm to navigation and maritime security in the region would benefit no one,” Ala wrote.

He added that Türkiye continues its multilateral diplomatic efforts to safeguard its economic interests and ensure the Black Sea remains a stable maritime basin.

Between November 28 and 29, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out two spectacular drone-boat strikes on Russian “shadow-fleet” oil tankers in the central Black Sea — the first time such attacks have taken place inside or immediately adjacent to Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

The Black Sea, a chokepoint for 25 milliion tons of Russian oil monthly via Bosporus, has seen over 20 shadow fleet incidents since 2022, including mine drifts and Ukrainian strikes pushing back Russia's fleet (now 80% relocated to Crimea/elsewhere). Türkiye enforces the Montreux Convention, controlling straits access and banning warships since 2022, but allows commercial transit.

By Khagan Isayev