Türkiye warns Russia and Ukraine against targeting energy facilities
Amid escalating military tensions in the Black Sea region, Turkey an urgent official appeal to both Russia and Ukraine , demanding that energy infrastructure out of the ongoing military conflict between the two countries. This appeal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the exchange of fire on the stability of global energy supplies and the security of navigation in vital straits.
A call for restraint and protection of the energy lifeline
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that his country had delivered a clear message to both sides of the conflict: "Keep energy infrastructure out of this war." The minister emphasized that these facilities have a direct and vital impact on people's daily lives and should not be used as a military bargaining chip.
Bayraktar stressed the strategic importance of maintaining uninterrupted energy flows, whether through the Black Sea or via the Turkish Straits and pipelines, warning that any disruption to these supplies would have dire consequences for global markets already suffering from sharp fluctuations.
Context of the escalation in the Black Sea
The Turkish warnings come after a series of sophisticated attacks; Ukraine, which has been facing a Russian invasion since February 2022, launched drone boats targeting a Russian oil terminal and tankers belonging to Moscow's so-called "ghost fleet," which it uses to circumvent Western sanctions. These incidents occurred close to the Turkish coast, raising concerns in Ankara.
In response, Moscow accused Kyiv of targeting a civilian vessel flying the Russian flag, an accusation Ukraine denied. This escalation prompted Russian President Vladimir Putin to threaten to cut off Ukraine's access to the sea, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the situation as a "worrying escalation" that warranted caution.
The geopolitical importance of the Turkish position
Turkey's call for intervention derives its significance from its unique geographical location. Controlling the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits under the Montreux Convention, Turkey acts as the guardian of the southern gateway to the Black Sea. Ankara plays a pivotal role as an energy transit hub between East and West, and any threat to navigation in this region directly impacts both Turkish national security and European energy security.
A source in the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated that Ankara is taking measures to counter maritime threats resulting from the war, in order to ensure the safety of commercial navigation in its territorial waters.
Turkish-Russian relations and the future of energy
In a related development, and in response to previous US calls to reduce reliance on Russian oil, the Turkish Energy Minister affirmed that Moscow remains a "very reliable supplier" for Ankara. He explained that Russia supplied Turkey with approximately 40% of its gas needs in 2024, a decrease from 60% in previous years, reflecting Turkey's drive to diversify its energy sources.
The minister added, "Securing our oil imports is our top priority, and Ankara does not want to rely on a single country or company." He noted that his country needs gas from multiple sources, including Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and confirmed that discussions are underway with Moscow to extend the gas contract that expires on December 31, highlighting the complexity and interconnectedness of interests in the region.
