A Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia reported an attack off the coast of Turkey, Turkey’s maritime authority confirmed on Tuesday. Despite the alarming incident, all 13 crew members aboard the MIDVOLGA-2 were reported safe.
According to the Maritime Affairs Directorate, the vessel said it came under attack approximately 80 miles (130 km) from the Turkish shoreline. The ship did not request assistance and continued navigating toward Sinop port. While officials did not release further details, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported that a kamikaze drone may have been involved.
A Turkish official, when asked about the incident, stated that necessary communications had been delivered to all relevant parties, including Ukrainian authorities. No additional clarification was provided.
This attack follows a series of escalating maritime tensions. Just last Friday, Ukrainian naval drones struck two tankers sanctioned by Ukraine and Western allies as they sailed through the Black Sea toward a Russian port to load oil for international markets. The strikes were part of Kyiv’s broader strategy to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector.
In response to rising risks in the region, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan emphasized on Monday that attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable. He urged “all related sides” to refrain from actions that threaten civilian maritime operations.
Turkey, a NATO member, continues to walk a delicate diplomatic line — supporting Ukraine militarily while avoiding participation in Western sanctions against Moscow. Ankara has also played a key mediating role, hosting multiple rounds of peace negotiations and continually offering to facilitate direct talks between leaders.
As a nation sharing maritime borders with both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey has repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring navigational safety in the Black Sea — a region now under heightened scrutiny, uncertainty, and global concern.
