Istanbul: Turkey has issued a strong call for both Russia and Ukraine to keep critical energy infrastructure out of the ongoing conflict, warning that attacks on pipelines, terminals, or vessels could have serious repercussions for regional energy security and the global market. The appeal came from Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar during remarks on Thursday, highlighting Ankara’s concern over the potential escalation of hostilities near key Black Sea shipping routes.
The warning follows a series of incidents in the Black Sea, where tankers linked to Russian energy exports have been targeted. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that drone strikes hit two empty tankers en route to Russian ports, though they denied responsibility for a separate attack involving a Russian-flagged vessel carrying sunflower oil. These attacks have prompted insurers to raise premiums for shipping in the area, while at least one Turkish shipping company suspended operations citing security risks.
Despite being a NATO member, Turkey has maintained a neutral stance, fostering diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv. Minister Bayraktar’s comments reflect Ankara’s ongoing efforts to act as a mediator, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding pipelines, tankers, and terminals to ensure uninterrupted energy flows. He specifically highlighted critical conduits such as the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which transports oil from Central Asia to global markets. Recent disruptions, including a mooring failure at the CPC’s Black Sea terminal, have temporarily halted oil output and forced alternative routing through pipelines like Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC).
Bayraktar also revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy requested Turkish assistance to restore gas supplies to Ukraine during recent talks in Ankara. Discussions between Türkiye’s state energy company BOTAS and Ukraine’s Naftogaz are reportedly underway, aiming to stabilize energy access for the country as winter approaches. According to Turkish officials, the BTC route currently supplies between 600,000 and 700,000 barrels per day, offering a critical alternative amid disruptions.
The minister’s appeal underscores the broader energy-security implications for Europe and global markets. Any further disruption to pipelines or maritime energy routes could destabilize oil and gas supply chains, drive up prices, and exacerbate existing shortages. Turkey’s call for restraint highlights the urgent need to separate civilian energy infrastructure from military objectives, while also positioning Ankara as a key player in mitigating the conflict’s humanitarian and economic consequences.
As the Russia–Ukraine war continues into the winter months, Turkey’s push to protect energy infrastructure reflects both a strategic concern for regional stability and a commitment to ensuring that essential energy supplies remain uninterrupted.