Overview
- Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar urged both sides to avoid strikes on pipelines and shipping, saying disruptions would hit global markets and civilians.
- Explosions were reported on two empty oil tankers off Turkey’s Black Sea coast, and a cargo ship bound from Russia to Georgia was hit in a disputed drone incident.
- Russia labeled the attacks “piracy” and threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the situation a worrying escalation.
- Deputy Energy Minister Ahmet Berat Conkar said two expiring gas import deals with Russia were extended by one year through the end of 2026, covering 22 billion cubic meters.
- Turkey aims to reduce Russia’s share of its gas supply from roughly 40% toward 25% and to boost output from its Sakarya Black Sea field, even as the U.S. presses allies to curb purchases from Moscow.