In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine, Turkey has issued a rare and blunt warning to both Moscow and Kyiv: stop targeting energy infrastructure. The message comes as drone strikes in the Black Sea hit tankers linked to Russia—attacks claimed by Ukraine—and raise fears of a broader regional crisis that could threaten global oil and gas flows.
Speaking in Istanbul on Wednesday, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar urged the warring nations to keep vital energy networks “outside the conflict,” underscoring how deeply the region relies on stable oil and gas transport. “Energy infrastructure is deeply connected to the daily lives of people,” Bayraktar stressed. “We must ensure uninterrupted energy flows across the Black Sea, through our straits, and through pipelines.”
His remarks land at a critical moment: President Donald Trump is pressuring Ankara to cut its energy ties with Moscow, even as Turkey quietly negotiates a new natural gas contract with Russia’s Gazprom set to expire at the end of the year.
Black Sea Drone Attacks Trigger Alarms in Ankara
Turkey’s warning follows a string of drone strikes this month targeting Russia-linked tankers traveling through the Black Sea—an area crucial for global oil shipments. Ukraine has claimed responsibility, arguing the attacks weaken Moscow’s war machine.
But for Turkey, the stakes are different. As the country that controls the Bosporus and Dardanelles—and relies heavily on imported energy—Ankara fears that escalating Black Sea hostilities could disrupt essential supply routes.
Bayraktar said plainly: “Energy routes must remain safe, stable, and fully operational.”
Trump Pushes Erdogan: “Stop Buying Russian Energy”
The United States has been pressuring allies to reduce purchases of Russian oil and gas, in hopes of starving the Kremlin’s revenues. During a September meeting at the White House, President Trump acknowledged President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s influence over Vladimir Putin but delivered a clear message:
“The best thing he can do is stop buying oil and gas from Russia.”
Bayraktar responded by noting that Turkey has been “transparent” with Washington about its long-term energy contracts and supply needs. While Turkey publicly supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, it has maintained economic ties with Moscow—including major natural gas deals—throughout the war.
Turkey: “We Cannot Depend on a Single Supplier”
Turkey’s energy dilemma is not new. The country began importing natural gas in the late 1980s, and Russia quickly became the dominant supplier—at times covering 60% of Turkey’s gas market. Last year that share fell to around 40%, as Turkey diversified its imports with supplies from Azerbaijan, Iran, and LNG producers.
“Russia has been a very reliable supplier for decades,” Bayraktar said. “But Turkey must not rely on any single country or company for a large volume of supply.”
He emphasized Ankara’s strategy of building a diversified energy portfolio: “We need gas from Russia, from Iran, from Azerbaijan, and from many other sources.”
This balancing act—between geopolitical pressure from the U.S. and economic dependency on Russia—is at the heart of Turkey’s current strategy.
Gas Contract With Russia Nears Expiration
Turkey’s long-term natural gas contract with Gazprom expires on December 31, and negotiations for renewal are underway. Bayraktar signaled that Ankara is pushing for short-term extensions, preferably on a year-by-year basis, allowing Turkey greater flexibility as global markets shift.
“When I say short-term, I mean one year,” Bayraktar clarified. “We want cheap, competitive, and secure gas supplies for the Turkish market.”
Despite U.S. objections, Turkey expects Gazprom to continue deliveries into next year.
A Delicate Dance Between East and West
Turkey’s latest appeal for Russia and Ukraine to stop attacking energy assets is more than a diplomatic gesture—it reflects deep fears that the war could spill into areas that threaten Turkey’s economy and energy security.
If the Black Sea becomes a battleground, the impact would reverberate far beyond the region, potentially shaking global markets, disrupting tanker routes, and jeopardizing a significant share of Europe’s energy supply chain.
Ankara, caught between Trump’s push for tougher anti-Russia measures and its own strategic reliance on Moscow, is now trying to prevent exactly that scenario.
With tensions rising and drone strikes increasing, Turkey’s message echoes louder than ever: keep the energy lifelines alive—or risk plunging the region into deeper chaos.