Summary
A Russian tanker in the Black Sea reported an attack off the coast of Turkey. This is the third such incident in a week, with Ukrainian forces targeting Russian vessels. The incidents focus on cutting off Russia's oil exports amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
- A Russian-flagged tanker, the Midvolga-2, was attacked in the Black Sea off the Turkish coast.
- The tanker was carrying sunflower oil to Georgia when it was attacked.
- Ukrainian naval drones reportedly targeted Russian vessels as part of a strategy to disrupt Russia's oil exports.
- Turkish President Erdogan warned that attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea escalate the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- No crew members of the Midvolga-2 were harmed, and the vessel continued towards Sinop port in Turkey.
- Ukraine has increased efforts to disrupt Russian oil exports to impact Russia's funding for the war.
- Turkey balances relations between Russia and Ukraine, providing military support to Ukraine but not joining Western sanctions against Russia.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of terrorism by attacking oil tankers and infrastructure in the Black Sea.
