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Russian tanker attacked in Black Sea, Erdoğan warns against strikes on shipping

02.12.2025 13:00
A Russian tanker carrying sunflower oil was attacked in the Black Sea, Turkey’s maritime authority said, as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that assaults on merchant shipping are “unacceptable.”
Recep Tayyip Erdoan.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.Shutterstock

Turkey’s General Directorate of Maritime Affairs said the Midvolga-2, sailing from Russia to Georgia, came under fire about 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) off the coast. Turkish outlet Haberler reported the cargo was sunflower oil.

The crew of 13 said they were unharmed and the ship’s engines remained operational. The tanker altered course toward the Turkish port city of Sinop, according to the Türkiye Today portal.

The incident followed explosions last Friday, Nov. 28, near the Bosporus on two tankers described as part of a Russian “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions and move oil illegally.

“Attacks on ships are signals of a dangerous escalation. We cannot justify these attacks in any way,” Erdogan told reporters Monday, adding that Ankara has issued necessary warnings “to all concerned parties” about such incidents.

(jh)

Source: PAP