Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are raising international concerns about the safety of vital shipping lanes and potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Following condemnation from Athens, Greece, two tankers-the Matilda and the Delta Harmony-were reportedly targeted by drones Tuesday near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, prompting investigations into the origin of the attacks and reciprocal accusations between Russia and Ukraine. The incidents come amid a period of escalating maritime tensions, with both sides claiming attacks on civilian vessels and threatening further instability in the region.
Greece condemned Wednesday attacks on two tankers linked to its interests in the Black Sea, the origin of which remains unclear, as Russia accused Ukraine of being responsible for one of the incidents.
Escalating Tensions in the Black Sea
Recent weeks have seen a rise in attacks by both Ukraine and Russia on civilian vessels, primarily in the Black Sea, raising concerns among Turkey and other nations. The incidents come as global energy markets remain sensitive to disruptions in key shipping lanes.
“We condemn the attacks against Greek-flagged ships and those with Greek interests, which endanger the safety of crews and risk damaging the environment,” said Lana Zochiou, spokesperson for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing Wednesday. She did not attribute responsibility for the attacks, which occurred Tuesday.
The tankers Matilda and Delta Harmony were reportedly struck by drones near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, according to the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs. Damage to both vessels was reported as minor.
“Greece, as a maritime nation, attaches particular importance to security at sea,” Zochiou added, stating that Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will raise the issue “with our European partners.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated Wednesday that the Matilda, sailing under the Maltese flag, “was attacked by two Ukrainian drones approximately 100 km from the city of Anapa,” on the Black Sea coast. The ministry did not mention the second vessel. Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the allegations.
Kazakhstan Expresses “Great Concern”
KazMunayGas, the Kazakh state-owned oil and gas company, reported Tuesday that the Matilda, which it had chartered, “was attacked by a drone,” without specifying the origin of the attack.
“The attack caused an explosion without causing a fire” or any injuries or significant damage, the company said. According to a company statement, the vessel was scheduled to load Kazakh oil at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal on Sunday.
The Delta Harmony’s oil tanks were empty at the time of the attack, the Kazakh Ministry of Energy reported, adding that “no damage was inflicted on Kazakhstan’s export resources.”
The Kazakh Foreign Ministry expressed “great concern” Wednesday following the attacks, noting reports of “three tankers en route to the terminal” of the CPC.
“Kazakhstan is not a party to any armed conflict and makes a significant contribution to global and European energy security,” the ministry emphasized, calling for “effective measures to ensure the safety of hydrocarbon transportation.”
On Monday, Ukraine accused Russia of attacking two cargo ships with drones near a Ukrainian Black Sea port, resulting in one injury.
