Erdogan Declares Black Sea Commercial Ship Attacks Unacceptable After Tanker Incident; Warns All Sides Amid Ukraine War Threat

Erdogan Condemns "Unacceptable" Black Sea Ship Attacks, Warns All Sides Amid Escalation

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has delivered a stern rebuke against the recent targeting of commercial ships in the Black Sea, unequivocally labeling such acts as "unacceptable." Speaking from Ankara, his strong condemnation follows reports of an unmanned vessel striking a tanker off Turkey's northern coast, raising significant alarms regarding maritime security in the volatile region.

Escalating Threats to Navigational Safety

President Erdogan articulated his concerns to the media, underscoring how the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has begun to directly jeopardize safe navigation in the Black Sea. He specifically referenced a recent incident on Friday, where a vessel was reportedly attacked within Turkey's Exclusive Economic Zone, characterizing it as a worrying escalation.

“We cannot justify these attacks in any way,” Erdogan affirmed, stressing Turkey's unwavering position. He further elaborated that Ankara is transmitting the necessary warnings to all relevant sides regarding these dangerous occurrences, highlighting the seriousness with which Turkey approaches the matter.

Tanker Virat Incident Under Scrutiny

The specific incident prompting these warnings involved the tanker Virat, described as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet." Turkish authorities confirmed on Saturday that this vessel was struck late Friday by an unmanned craft, approximately 35 miles off Turkey’s Black Sea coastline. While the perpetrators behind these reported attacks have not yet been identified, the event has undeniably heightened geopolitical tensions within this crucial waterway.

Turkey's Role in Regional Stability

This critical development comes after President Erdogan's participation in the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 23, 2025. Given Turkey's strategic geographic position and extensive Black Sea coastline, the nation plays a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and ensuring maritime safety. The Turkish leadership's resolute stance emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the free and secure passage of commercial shipping, especially as the conflict between its neighbors continues to impact vital economic and transit zones.