In late November, fires broke out on two Russian oil tankers near Turkey’s Black Sea coast. The blazes raised worries that Ukraine’s war with Russia could spread into international waters. Ukrainian forces said they used naval drones to strike the ships, which belonged to Moscow’s secret network for selling oil. These attacks put the area on edge, creating a tense standoff.
On November 28, the tankers Kairos and Virat both had major problems just minutes apart. These ships flew Gambian flags and faced Western sanctions. The Kairos caught fire 28 nautical miles from Turkey’s Kocaeli province as it headed to Russia’s Novorossiysk port. Soon after, the Virat’s engine room exploded 35 nautical miles away. Both were carrying Russian crude oil to get around export bans.
Turkish rescue teams acted quickly and safely evacuated all 45 crew members. No one was hurt. The strikes showed weaknesses in Russia’s efforts to avoid sanctions. In response, Ukraine stepped up its drone attacks on these ships in international waters and near Turkey.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet Faces Risks
Russia uses a “shadow fleet” of about 600 tankers to ship crude oil to buyers in Asia. This setup brings in billions of dollars, even with sanctions from the EU, U.S., and UK. Gaps in enforcing those sanctions have let Ukraine hit the fleet directly. These actions question whether the shadow fleet can keep working.
Turkey has voiced strong concerns about the growing attacks. Officials there say both sides in the war add to the area’s instability. The tanker incidents show how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affects places far away, including near NATO countries. They make sea travel in the region more dangerous.
The shadow fleet helps Russia keep its oil money flowing despite the bans. But Ukraine’s bold strikes highlight the dangers. As the war drags on, these tactics could disrupt trade routes and raise global energy prices.
Turkey Downs Mystery Drone
Tensions boiled over on December 15 at 1:47 p.m. local time. Turkish radar picked up a drone flying oddly from the Black Sea toward the Kastamonu area. The small, pilotless aircraft stayed low to avoid detection. It set off NATO’s quick-response alert system.
Turkish F-16 fighter jets took off right away and sent warnings. The drone did not reply or turn away. The pilots shot it down at 1,500 meters near Çankırı. Pieces fell in an empty area, away from people. Teams recovered the wreckage, but it had no clear markings—no Ukrainian symbols, Russian labels, or other identifiers.
Experts argue over where the drone came from. It might be standard Russian equipment or a modified Ukrainian one. Turkey’s Defense Ministry is still checking and has not said who owned it. This event came after earlier tanker hits, like the December 2 attack on the Midvolga 2 near Turkish waters.
Erdogan’s Push for Calm
Ukraine’s Security Service denied hitting the Midvolga 2, saying Russia staged it. Turkish officials confirmed the attack happened. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called in ambassadors from Ukraine and Russia. He warned that going after merchant or civilian ships helps no one.
Erdoğan held talks to stop these risky moves. He made it clear the Black Sea should not turn into a battleground. As the keeper of the Montreux Convention, Turkey acts as a go-between. It balances its NATO links with power in the region.
Other signs of trouble appeared too. On December 18, a crashed drone in Kocaeli looked Russian-made. Early December saw Romania shoot down a sea drone. These events point to bigger risks for skies and shipping lanes near NATO borders.
The growing incidents challenge NATO’s unity. Turkey’s fast action proved its skills but also showed weak spots in air defense. Talks about Turkey rejoining the F-35 jet program have picked up again. They tie into old issues like the S-400 missile system and U.S. relations.
Experts say reacting after attacks is not enough. They call for stronger defenses against possible Russian allies. With more problems piling up, the Black Sea’s peace is at risk. It calls for teamwork in talks and watchfulness to avoid a larger crisis.
Sources:
Associated Press, Ukraine’s Sea Baby drones hit Russian oil tankers in Black Sea
Euronews, Turkey warns Russia and Ukraine over downed drones in Black Sea
Hürriyet Daily News, Maritime security in Black Sea under serious threat: Erdoğan
Reuters, Ukraine disables ‘shadow fleet’ vessel with sea drones in Black Sea
The Moscow Times, Sanctioned Oil Tankers Hit by Blasts, Fire En Route to Russia
Turkish Ministry of National Defence, Official statement on F-16 drone interception