Kathrine Frich
For years Russia has been accused by Western governments and analysts of shaping conflicts through staged events and heavily managed narratives.
Maritime incidents in particular have often turned into political theatre, and the Black Sea has increasingly become the setting for such claims.
Now a new report about damage to a Russian tanker has drawn renewed attention to Moscow’s tactics and to the possibility that the latest drama may be self inflicted.
Rising suspicions
Ukraine stated it had no link to the reported strike on the Russian vessel Midvolga-2, a ship carrying sunflower oil that Russia says was attacked in the Black Sea.
The statement appeared on the X platform, where Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhy dismissed Moscow’s allegations.
“Ukraine has nothing to do with this incident, and we officially reject any such accusations made by Russian propaganda,” Tykhy said.
His comments were made shortly after the case became public, making it the third Russian tanker incident reported in about three weeks.
Tykhy added that the circumstances pointed toward a possible Russian provocation rather than an attack by Kyiv.
Unusual route
The spokesperson also questioned the ship’s chosen path.
He noted that the journey from Russia to Georgia through the exclusive economic zone of Turkey appeared illogical.
According to him, this abnormal route “indicates that Russia may have staged this entire event.”
The incident quickly gained attention because similar maritime claims from Moscow have often been used to influence international opinion or justify new security measures.
What Turkey reported
According to information released by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Midvolga-2 stated that it had been struck roughly 80 miles from the Turkish coast while en route to Georgia.
Turkish officials said the tanker never asked for help and confirmed that all 13 crew members were unharmed.
The ministry also noted that the ship continued its voyage to the port of Sinope.
No further details about the type of damage or weaponry were made available, leaving many aspects of the event open to interpretation.
Sources: LETA, Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, LA.LV
