Turkey Criticizes Attacks On Russian Tankers In The Black Sea Threatening Area Safety

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. (Wikimedia Commons/Downing Street 10/Simon Dawson)

JAKARTA - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday said the "terrible" attacks that have occurred in recent days against Russian-related tankers in the Black Sea threaten the safety of everyone in the region, suggesting that the war range in Ukraine is expanding.

Foreign Minister Fidan said attacks on Turkey's exclusive economic zone violated navigational safety and had an impact on trade, adding Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, which also border the Black Sea, were considering measures to improve security.

Foreign Minister Fidan also discussed the attack, some of which were claimed by Ukraine, with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels, as well as with his colleagues from Bulgaria and Romania, according to sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The attack has stepped up the Black Sea delivery insurance rate and prompted one of Turkey's Besiktas Shipping companies to stop operations linked to Russia due to security concerns.

Ukraine, which targets Moscow's temporary oil exports to bombard its power grid, said it was responsible for a marine drone strike against two empty tankers heading to Russia's port last week.

However, Kyiv denied any connection with another incident on Tuesday, in which a Russian-flagged tanker loaded with solar interest oil said it had been attacked by drones off the Turkish coast.

Outside the Black Sea, a Besiktas Shipping tanker that also does business with Russia was damaged near Senegal due to an external collision. No one claimed responsibility.

Foreign Minister Fidan and Secretary General Rutte discussed the security of the Black Sea and negotiations to end the war that has lasted nearly four years, the source said, without providing further details.

He added that Foreign Minister Fidan and his colleagues from Bulgaria and Romania emphasized the importance of free trade flows in the Black Sea, securing important infrastructure, and ensuring safe sea routes, while calling for compliance with international law.

Turkey called the attack on shipments unacceptable and warned "all parties" to stop it.

A Turkish official said this specifically includes Ukrainian authorities.

Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by threatening to cut off Ukraine's access to the sea, saying Moscow would intensify attacks on Ukrainian facilities and ships and move against state-owned tankers that help Ukraine.