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Russia on Thursday accused Ukraine of attempting to undermine peace efforts by targeting tankers and commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in St. Petersburg that Kyiv ignored reactions from Türkiye and Kazakhstan and continued attacks on Russian vessels.
She said Ukraine “sanctioned a new attack” on Dec. 1 using unmanned boats against a Russian commercial ship located 80 nautical miles from the Turkish coast.
Although the crew and vessel were not significantly harmed, Zakharova said Moscow considers the strikes “terrorist attacks.”
On Dec. 2, the Russian vessel Midvolga 2 was hit by a drone 80 nautical miles off Türkiye, sustaining minor damage.
On Nov. 28, tankers Kairos and Virat were struck 28 and 38 nautical miles from the Turkish coast, causing a fire and hull damage.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Dec. 1 that such attacks represent an alarming escalation and “cannot be justified.”
Zakharova said Russia remains focused on achieving peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict, rather than discussions about who represents Kyiv in potential negotiations.
Commenting on E.U. discussions about seizing frozen Russian assets, Zakharova said Moscow is preparing a response.
“Any illegal actions with our state reserves and assets will not remain without the most severe reaction,” she said, calling E.U. approaches “theft.”
She accused the E.U. of using “threats, blackmail and fakes,” claiming its efforts aim solely at harming Russia.
Zakharova said Moscow will take necessary measures in response to Denmark’s plans to open a factory for Ukraine’s armed forces.
She also alleged that European countries are linked to Ukraine through “corruption chains,” claiming recent developments in Brussels support this accusation.
The spokeswoman criticized the Faroe Islands for joining sanctions against Russia, saying Moscow will consider “adequate countermeasures.”
Turning to the Middle East, Zakharova said Moscow is monitoring rising tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border.
She cited “increasing reports of Israeli violations” of ceasefire agreements from November 2024 and said Russia is urging all parties to avoid steps that could trigger renewed conflict.
Zakharova said Moscow will continue working with regional and international partners to support long-term stabilization in Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
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