Russian Oil Tanker Midvolga-2 Damaged in Black Sea Drone Attack; Kyiv Denies Involvement

Tanker Struck Off Turkish Coast

The Russian oil tanker Midvolga-2 sustained damage in a drone attack in the Black Sea on the morning of December 2, 2025. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles (around 120 km) off the Turkish coast, specifically north of the city of Sinop. The vessel, which was transporting sunflower oil from Russia to Georgia, reported the attack to Turkish authorities.

According to the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot), the attack was carried out by a drone. Images circulating after the incident reportedly showed a hole in the roof of the tanker's bridge and shrapnel impacts. Despite the damage, the Midvolga-2, which is 140 meters long and sails under the Russian flag, continued its journey under its own power towards the Turkish port of Sinop.

Crew Unharmed, Damage Assessed

There were 13 crew members aboard the Midvolga-2 at the time of the attack. Turkish authorities reported no casualties and stated that the ship did not request assistance. However, some Russian sources indicated that some sailors suffered minor concussions, and specifically, the ship's captain and second engineer sustained shrapnel injuries in the wheelhouse. The explosion reportedly damaged the tanker's hull and part of its superstructure, with the drone striking the engine room area.

The Midvolga-2 is owned by Mazk Management, a Moscow-based company, or Middle Volga Shipping LLC, which is reportedly under Ukrainian sanctions.

Kyiv Denies Involvement, Russia Condemns 'Terrorist Attack'

Following the incident, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi explicitly denied any Ukrainian involvement. In a statement, Tykhyi asserted, 'Ukraine has nothing to do with this incident, and we officially refute any allegations of such kind made by Russian propaganda.' He further suggested that Russia might have staged the attack, pointing out that the alleged route from Russia to Georgia across Türkiye's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 'makes no sense.'

Conversely, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin condemned the attack as 'unacceptable' and a 'terrorist attack' that 'deserves condemnation.' Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova echoed these sentiments, labeling the incidents as 'terrorist acts.'

Broader Context of Black Sea Incidents

This attack on the Midvolga-2 marks the third reported incident involving Russian-connected ships in the Black Sea within a short period. Days prior, on November 28, two other tankers, the Kairos and Virat, identified as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' were reportedly struck by Ukrainian Sea Baby maritime drones. These earlier attacks prompted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to issue a warning, describing the incidents as a 'worrying escalation' that threatens navigation safety in the region.