ISTANBUL (AP) — The Turkish government has expressed strong condemnation regarding the recent Ukrainian drone strikes on two Russian oil tankers, identified as the Kairos and Virat. The attacks occurred within Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, raising significant concerns about navigation safety, environmental protection, and overall regional stability.

Oncu Keceli, the spokesman for Turkey's Foreign Ministry, emphasized that these drone attacks pose serious risks to life, property, and environmental safety in the area. In a social media update late Saturday, Keceli mentioned that Turkey is proactively engaging in discussions with "the relevant parties" to prevent further escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to safeguard the country’s economic interests in the Black Sea region.

Ukrainian sources have asserted that naval drones were deployed to target the tankers in a coordinated fashion late Friday afternoon off the coast of Turkey. Fortunately, reports indicate that crew members aboard both vessels remained unharmed during these operations. This incident marks a notable development in Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian shipping activities amid the war.

The OpenSanctions database, which tracks entities involved in sanctions evasion, has identified the Kairos and Virat as part of a "shadow fleet" utilized to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This highlights the role that these vessels play in supporting Russia amid global sanctions aimed at its energy sector.

Throughout the conflict, Ukraine has successfully executed naval strikes on Russian shipping, particularly through the utilization of marine drones equipped with explosives. Historically, however, these operations have primarily been confined to the northern Black Sea waters, making the recent attacks against the Kairos and Virat significant in the context of expanding Ukrainian military capabilities.

As the situation evolves, Turkey’s response and its discussions with involved parties will be crucial in determining the future dynamics of the Black Sea region, which is already fraught with tension due to the ongoing war. The strategic importance of this area is magnified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential risks posed to both maritime navigation and regional security.