Turkey has issued a stern warning to Russia and Ukraine, urging both sides to avoid targeting energy infrastructure amid recent Black Sea drone attacks, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said in Istanbul. He emphasized that any disruption to energy facilities would have severe consequences for global markets and daily life, noting that facilities in both countries had already been struck during the ongoing conflict.
Bayraktar specifically addressed recent incidents off Turkey’s Black Sea coast, where explosions damaged two empty oil tankers, at least one reportedly heading to a Russian port. Ukrainian forces reportedly used naval drones to target vessels allegedly transporting Russian oil covertly. A third tanker en route from Russia to Georgia was also struck, though Ukraine denied involvement in that case.
Highlighting the broader pattern of attacks, Bayraktar confirmed that energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine has repeatedly been targeted throughout the conflict. He stressed the importance of keeping such infrastructure out of hostilities, noting that uninterrupted energy flows through the Black Sea, Turkey’s straits, and pipelines are critical for both regional and global stability.
Turkey is also navigating geopolitical pressure, particularly from Washington, to reduce oil and gas imports from Russia. Bayraktar acknowledged that Turkey has maintained transparency with the United States regarding its energy needs and long-term contracts. Russia has historically been a key supplier, with market share reaching up to 60 percent in some years, though last year it was around 40 percent.
Bayraktar underscored the importance of a diversified energy supply, saying Turkey does not want to rely heavily on any single country or company. He confirmed that Turkey sources gas from multiple countries, including Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and continues to explore other options to ensure security of supply.
Discussions between Ankara and Moscow are ongoing regarding the extension of the Russian gas contract set to expire on December 31, with Gazprom expected to continue deliveries into next year. Bayraktar said Turkey is focusing on short-term extensions of one-year duration, aiming for competitive, secure, and cost-effective gas supplies for the domestic market.
Overall, Turkey is positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the Black Sea energy corridor, balancing regional security concerns with its own energy requirements and international diplomatic obligations.
