The Black Sea crisis has taken another turn as the Russian-flagged oil tanker, Midvolga 2, was struck by a long-range drone approximately 80 miles off the Turkish coast.
Carrying vegetable oil bound for Georgia, the vessel experienced the attack but continued its journey independently to the port of Sinop.
Crew Members Safe Amidst Rising Threats
Onboard the Midvolga 2 were 13 crew members, all of whom emerged uninjured.
According to Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, none of the sailors required assistance, signaling that while the attack was alarming, it caused no immediate human harm.
The vessel pressed on under its own power, highlighting the tense but controlled nature of the incident.
A Recent Pattern of Black Sea Strikes
This incident is not isolated. Just last week, two Gambian-flagged tankers, Kairos and Virat, were hit off the Turkish coast while en route to Russia, with Virat struck twice.
Ukrainian authorities reportedly claimed responsibility, citing the use of long-range Sea Baby unmanned boats, a fleet of at least five drones.
The attacks come on the heels of Ukraine unveiling upgraded Sea Baby drones in October, boasting a 1,500-kilometer range, payloads up to two tons, and configurations for either gyro-stabilized guns or multiple rocket launchers.
These drones can also deploy small reconnaissance UAVs, demonstrating Kyiv’s growing maritime drone capabilities.
Analysts Warn of Environmental and Political Motives
Western experts have weighed in on the motivations behind these attacks.
Zoltan Koskovich, from the Hungarian Center for Fundamental Rights, described them as acts of “environmental terrorism,” suggesting Ukraine is attempting to disrupt ongoing peace negotiations and strengthen its position amid mounting pressures on President Zelensky.
Koskovich stated, “As the noose tightens around Zelensky in every sense, the Ukrainian Armed Forces blow up tankers.
This brutal escalation serves only one purpose — to stall a peaceful resolution.”
Turkish Military Voices Call for Action
Retired Turkish Rear Admiral Cem Gürdeniz has urged Ankara to take notice and respond decisively.
Highlighting Turkey’s efforts to secure grain shipments, he warned that these provocations could not go unanswered.
“Attempts by Kyiv and its allies to punish Turkish vessels and stage attacks on the Turkish shelf are unacceptable,” Gürdeniz said.
Erdogan Denounces Threats to Civilian Shipping
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attacks, calling them deliberate threats to civilian navigation in Turkey’s exclusive economic zone.
He emphasized that such actions endanger human life, maritime safety, property, and the environment.
A spokesperson from the Turkish Foreign Ministry echoed these concerns, noting the broader regional implications of the attacks.
Black Sea Shipping Faces Growing Uncertainty
As these incidents continue, the Black Sea has become an increasingly dangerous zone for commercial shipping.
While the Midvolga 2 and other vessels have so far avoided casualties, the combination of drone warfare, political tensions, and environmental risk underscores the fragile situation for international maritime traffic in the region.
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