Putin Accuses Ukraine of Naval Drone Attack on Russian Tanker in Mediterranean
By [Your Name], International Editor
Kyiv has yet to comment on allegations by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine carried out a naval drone attack that sank a Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker in the Mediterranean Sea. Putin described the incident as a “terrorist attack,” claiming it was not an isolated event.
The Russian Transportation Ministry confirmed Tuesday that the Arctic Metagaz was struck by a Ukrainian naval drone near the territorial waters of Malta, a European Union member state. According to the ministry, all 30 crew members were safely rescued by Maltese and Russian teams.
The ministry further asserted the drone was launched from the coast of Libya and labeled the incident an “act of international terrorism and piracy.” The Arctic Metagaz was carrying cargo documented in full compliance with international regulations from the port of Murmansk, the ministry stated.
The incident occurred as the tanker, which is under U.S. and U.K. sanctions, issued a distress signal to Maltese armed forces, Reuters reported Tuesday. Images circulating on social media appeared to show the vessel ablaze, though their authenticity remains unverified.
Ukraine has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Russian oil tankers, including incidents near Turkey’s Black Sea coast. Reports in December indicated Ukraine also reportedly struck a Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean.
The accusations come amid ongoing tensions and conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The initial aim of the invasion, as stated by Putin, was to overthrow Ukraine’s pro-Western government, according to the BBC.
