Turkish officials have confirmed that the “MIDVOLGA-2” tanker, flagged in Russia and carrying sunflower oil en route to Georgia, was attacked by a drone in the Black Sea. The ship reported being hit approximately 80 miles (120km) from Turkey’s coast but stated there were no immediate adverse conditions among its crew of 13 personnel, and it is proceeding towards Sinop on its own power without requesting assistance.
In Tuesday’s statement, Türkiye’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure acknowledged the attack by the “MIDVOLGA-2” vessel. Later, Russia’s Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport asserted that a drone strike had indeed occurred against their flagged vessel, inflicting some minor damage. This incident follows previous accusations from Moscow.
Russia’s earlier claim accused Kiev of conducting “terrorist attacks” on commercial vessels in the region. The Federal Agency did not specify an attacker but emphasized that the tanker was able to operate independently afterward.
This latest confirmation adds to concerns about escalating tensions and incidents involving maritime activities near Turkey’s coast, which Russia has previously condemned as actions by Ukrainian forces within its claimed sphere of influence.
