Turkey has issued an urgent and unequivocal appeal to both Russia and Ukraine, urging them to keep energy infrastructure out of the escalating military conflict, following a surge in attacks targeting vital facilities and commercial vessels in the Black Sea. This appeal comes at a sensitive time, as global energy markets remain cautious and uncertain.
The importance of the Black Sea as a global energy artery
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized in a press statement the necessity of protecting energy infrastructure due to its direct and vital impact on people's daily lives and market stability. Bayraktar stated, "Our message to both sides is clear: Keep energy facilities out of this conflict.".
This warning is of particular strategic importance given the geopolitical location of the Black Sea and the Turkish straits (the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles), which are vital waterways not only for grain but also for oil and gas flows between East and West. Any disruption to these waterways could lead to price spikes in global energy markets, exacerbating the inflationary pressures currently facing the global economy.
Escalating maritime tensions and tanker war
The Turkish appeal came after a series of tit-for-tat attacks, in which Ukrainian forces 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. Some of these incidents occurred close to the Turkish coast, raising concerns in Ankara that the conflict could escalate into its territorial waters or threaten international shipping.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to take drastic measures that could deprive Ukraine of its sea access, describing the attacks as acts of “piracy,” a move that drew concern from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who warned against the consequences of this escalation.
Turkish dependence on Russian gas and diversification of sources
In a related matter concerning energy, the Turkish minister addressed trade relations with Moscow, emphasizing that Russia remains a “reliable supplier” for Ankara. Bayraktar revealed recent data indicating that Russia supplied Turkey with approximately 40% of its total natural gas imports in 2024, a decrease compared to 60% in previous years, reflecting the success of Turkey’s policy of diversifying its energy sources.
The minister indicated that talks are currently underway to extend the gas import contract, which expires on December 31, stressing that Ankara's top priority is "import security." He added that his country relies on a mix of sources, including Russian, Iranian, and Azerbaijani gas, to ensure it is not dependent on a single supplier, responding to previous calls from the United States to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
