Russia's Lavrov accuses Ukraine of 'pure terrorism' over Black Sea vessel attacks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Ukraine of "pure terrorism" for its attacks on commercial vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. Lavrov asserted during a press conference with Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, that Kyiv's actions are designed solely to inflict damage and spread fear, rather than to achieve military aims.

"What the Ukrainian regime is doing goes beyond piracy. At least pirates plunder for their own gain. Here, however, it benefits no one. The sole purpose is simply to cause damage and spread fear. It's pure terrorism," Lavrov stated. He further claimed these attacks extend beyond the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, citing recent reports of Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels striking Turkish ships and tankers. Lavrov also mentioned that the Blue Stream gas pipeline infrastructure has been regularly targeted.

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What the Ukrainian regime is doing goes beyond piracy. At least pirates plunder for their own gain. Here, however, it benefits no one. The sole purpose is simply to cause damage and spread fear. It's pure terrorism.

These accusations follow reports of Ukrainian forces striking 11 Russian vessels overnight in the Sea of Azov. According to a statement by Ukrainian military commander Robert Brovdi on Telegram, these strikes were part of "Operation MoLoChKa." Brovdi claimed that the operation targeted five tankers, five dry cargo vessels, and one tugboat, bringing the total number of Russian vessels targeted over the past nine days to 116.

In response to the attacks, Russia's Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement on Telegram assuring that the situation in the Sea of Azov would not impact domestic food supplies or the country's agricultural exports. The ministry added that alternative cargo routes are being developed in coordination with relevant agencies and businesses.

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Such terrorist attacks are taking place not only in the Sea of Azov but in the Black Sea as well. Yesterday, Turkish media reported a new series of fairly serious attacks by Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels against Turkish ships, including tankers and other vessels transporting Turkish cargo.