For the first time, a Turkish shipowner publicly accused Ukraine of attacks against civilian ships, describing them as acts of piracy.
Ukrainian drones attacked two Turkish vessels, the Lider Bordo Mavi and STAR II, within a span of 24 hours. Turkish businesses are demanding a tough reaction from Ankara rather than mere diplomatic protests, warning that losses could exceed 20 billion dollars within three months and that the Straits may ultimately be left without maritime traffic, writes Izvestia.
Ankara avoids naming the culprit
Turkish media reported that the attacks were carried out by Ukrainian drones.
However, Ankara preferred not to specify which country's unmanned aerial vehicles carried out the attacks, limiting its reaction to diplomatic protests and calls for de-escalation.
Mustafa Can, chairman of the board of directors of Transbosphor Maritime Transportation, accused Ukraine of launching attacks against Turkish commercial vessels, characterizing these actions as piracy.
According to the businessman, Ankara could lose up to 20 billion dollars within three months if the attacks do not stop, while rising prices in raw materials, wheat, and oil could further compound the financial damage.
Russian analyst links attacks to Turkey's contacts with the West
Vladimir Avatkov, head of the Department of the Middle East and Post-Soviet Orient at the Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, stated to Izvestia that attacks against Turkish ships or tankers usually occur immediately after talks between Turkey and its Western partners regarding Ukraine.
«Is this a coincidence? It is impossible to tell. However, such "coincidences" are becoming increasingly frequent. Evidently, this is a form of feedback from Western "colleagues". The West quickly and persistently reminds Turkey of its stance on the war in Ukraine. The primary goal is to turn Ankara against Russia», stated the specialist on Turkey.
«Turkey walks a tightrope»
The political scientist also pointed out that, while local media and ship captains directly attribute responsibility to Ukraine, official statements from Ankara do not name it.
«Turkey walks a tightrope, speaking of peace and protecting trade in the Black Sea, while simultaneously arming Ukraine.
I hope that Ankara will finally realize that the time has come to stop playing the game of "neutrality". Otherwise, Turkish sailors will continue to pay the price of a foreign war and their own country's double game», concluded the source.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών