An investigation is underway into the recent Black Sea tanker attacks that targeted two oil vessels, Kairos and Virat, in what Russian diplomatic sources condemned as acts of external interference threatening regional maritime security.

Russian diplomatic sources in Istanbul confirmed that authorities are working to uncover all individuals and entities involved in the incidents, which took place off the coast of Turkey.

On Friday, the oil tanker Kairos caught fire approximately 28 nautical miles from Turkey’s shoreline. Preliminary findings suggest an act of external interference caused the fire, though no group has claimed responsibility.

Later that same day, the Virat tanker was struck about 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast, with 20 crew members on board. On Saturday, the vessel was attacked again, though no further details were released about the nature of the second strike.

“Thanks to the courage and decisive actions of the crew members of the tankers, there were no casualties,” Russian diplomatic sources noted. Russian citizens were confirmed to be on board both vessels at the time of the attacks.

Maritime and environmental concerns raised

The incidents highlight escalating threats to maritime security in the Black Sea, placing navigation, environmental safety, and local and global supply chains at risk.

Russian authorities are in active contact with their Turkish counterparts, and Russian diplomatic missions in Turkey are closely involved in the process.

“The circumstances of the incident are being investigated to identify all organizers and participants in the attack and develop response measures,” the sources added.

The ongoing Russian-Turkish investigation underscores growing concerns about the safety of commercial vessels in strategic waterways and the need for enhanced maritime protection.

Was Ukraine responsible?

It is worth noting that following the attack, an SBU official stated that Ukraine struck the tankers to evade Western sanctions on oil exports in a joint operation conducted by the SBU security service and the Ukrainian navy.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the vessels as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" and said marine drones were used to target them in the Black Sea.

"Video footage shows that after being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation," the official said.

The tankers were identified as Kairos and Virat. 

Both vessels sanctioned by US, UK

The Kairos, a Suezmax-class tanker, has been sanctioned by the UK and European Union for carrying Russian crude, though it is not blacklisted by the United States.

Vessel-tracking data showed it had recently completed a voyage from Russia’s port of Novorossiysk to Paradip, India, transporting Urals crude and was returning to Russia to load its next cargo. It was empty at the time of the explosion and sails under the flag of Gambia.

The Virat, also empty when it was struck, has been sanctioned by both the US and EU for its role in shipping Russian oil. It was added to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions list in January.

Attempts to reach the listed managers of both vessels went unanswered. Despite the incidents, the Bosphorus, a crucial corridor for commodities including Russian oil, remains open to traffic.

Read more: Kazakhstan blasts Ukraine after drone strike on oil export terminal