Russia has strongly condemned what it described as recent Ukrainian attacks on two oil tankers and on port infrastructure in the Black Sea, saying the actions threaten civilian shipping and wider energy stability. The criticism was delivered on Sunday by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who accused those responsible for planning and carrying out the strikes of escalating tensions in a critical maritime region.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the two tankers were sailing under the Gambian flag and were en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk when they were struck by unmanned surface vessels on Friday and Saturday. The port itself also came under attack on Saturday. The ministry said Ukrainian intelligence services had publicly acknowledged involvement in the incidents, a claim that Moscow cited as further evidence of Ukraine’s direct responsibility.
Zakharova said the attacks deliberately targeted civilian energy infrastructure, which she described as essential to global energy security. She noted that such facilities are not subject to any international restrictions or sanctions and argued that they should not become targets in the ongoing conflict. According to her, actions of this nature pose serious risks to safe navigation in the Black Sea, an important maritime route for commercial shipping and energy transport.
The spokesperson warned that repeated attacks on civilian vessels could have broader consequences, including disruptions to international trade and heightened instability in the region. She also accused Ukraine of engaging in what Russia views as destructive tactics aimed at undermining maritime safety and pressuring Russian supply lines. Ukraine has not responded publicly to Russia’s latest claims regarding the strikes on the two tankers or the port.
Zakharova said Russia expected the international community to respond firmly, urging governments and global institutions to condemn the attacks. She argued that ignoring such incidents could erode long standing principles that protect civilian infrastructure during armed conflict. Russia also called for what it referred to as an objective assessment of Ukraine’s actions, saying the strikes demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that should be addressed through diplomatic and legal channels.
The Black Sea has remained a major point of tension throughout the conflict, with attacks on ports, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure raising concerns among countries that rely on the region for trade and fuel transport. Security analysts say incidents involving unmanned vessels have increased significantly over the past year, complicating navigation and prompting shipping companies to adjust routes or take additional precautions.
While both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of conducting dangerous operations at sea, Moscow’s latest statement emphasises the risk of further destabilisation if civilian shipping continues to be caught in the crossfire. International observers note that escalating maritime incidents could hinder efforts to restore dialogue on Black Sea security, an issue that has gained renewed importance since the collapse of earlier grain and navigation agreements.
