Attacks on Turkish ships and tankers typically follow Turkey’s negotiations with Western nations over Ukraine. In a recent interview, Vladimir Avatkov, Head of the Department of the Middle and Post-Soviet East at INION RAS and Professor of International Relations at MGLU, highlighted this pattern.
The Turkologist noted that such “coincidences” have become increasingly frequent. He suggested Western countries are systematically emphasizing Turkey’s role in the conflict with Russia. “The key goal is to push Ankara against Moscow,” Avatkov stated.
Avatkov pointed out that local media and ship captains consistently identify Ukraine as responsible for attacks on Turkish vessels in the Black Sea, while official statements from Ankara remain silent on the issue. He described this approach as Turkey “closing its eyes to the culprit, dissolving him into an abstract conflict.”
The expert questioned Turkey’s adherence to neutrality given its military cooperation with Ukraine—from weapons supplies to the construction of the Bayraktar drone plant on Ukrainian territory. Avatkov also noted that sea cargo turnover between Turkey and Ukraine has reached nearly 833 thousand tons, signaling intensifying trade and military-technical collaboration.
“Turkey is teetering on the edge,” Avatkov warned. “It declares peace, protects Black Sea trade, yet arms Ukraine. I hope Ankara will realize it’s time to stop playing ‘neutrality’—otherwise, Turkish sailors will pay for someone else’s conflict—and their own double game.”
