Ukraine denies role in third Russian-flagged tanker incident Blames Russian propaganda

Ukraine has officially denied any involvement in the incident involving a third Russian-flagged tanker, calling claims linking Kyiv to the event “false and unfounded.”

Heorhii Tykhyi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said on X, “Ukraine has nothing to do with this incident, and we officially refute any allegations of such kind made by Russian propaganda.

"Furthermore, the alleged route from Russia to Georgia across Türkiye's EEZ makes no sense—and suggests that Russia may have staged the whole thing.”

A Russian-flagged tanker, the Midvolga-2, was attacked in the Black Sea about 130km from the Turkish coast. The vessel, carrying sunflower oil to Georgia, is the third Russian-flagged ship targeted in the area within a week.

Turkish authorities said all 13 crew members were unharmed and the tanker continued towards Sinop port without requesting assistance. Reports indicate a kamikaze drone may have been used in the attack.

A Turkish official confirmed that relevant messages were sent to parties, including Ukrainian authorities. The incident follows recent strikes on Russian vessels described by Kyiv as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” bypassing international sanctions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev