A Russian-flagged tanker carrying vegetable oil was reportedly attacked in the Black Sea on Tuesday, the Turkish Maritime Authority confirmed, while Turkiye simultaneously issued a firm warning to Ukraine over regional maritime security.

The MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, en route from Russia to Georgia, reported the incident approximately 80 nautical miles off the Turkish coast. The Turkish authorities said no assistance had been requested, and the 13 crew members remain in good condition. The vessel is proceeding independently toward the port of Sinop.

A high-ranking source in Ankara told RIA Novosti that Turkiye has delivered a “very clear response” to Ukraine, particularly addressing the role of its security services in the attacks on ships in the Black Sea. No further details were provided regarding the content of Turkiye’s statement.

The incident underscores continuing tensions in the Black Sea, where regional powers are closely monitoring maritime traffic amid ongoing geopolitical frictions.

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Ukraine hit two 'shadow fleet' tankers with drones in Black Sea

Earlier on Friday, Ukraine struck two tankers allegedly used by Russia to evade Western sanctions on oil exports in a joint operation conducted by the SBU security service and the Ukrainian navy, an SBU official confirmed on Saturday.

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.

The tankers, identified as Kairos and Virat, were reportedly empty and en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, a key oil terminal on the Black Sea. According to the SBU official, both ships sustained "critical damage" and were effectively rendered inoperable.

"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.

It is worth noting that 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.

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