Moscow has vowed to retaliate after Ukrainian drones targeted a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea, the second attack of drones in one day.
Earlier on Friday, Ukraine struck a major Russian port.
In a statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Moscow has strongly condemned the attack on a civilian taker in the Strait of Kerch, terming it a terrorist attack.
She said that these barbaric attacks could not be justified and would be reciprocated similarly. In her message on the Telegram messaging app, the Russian diplomat said that perpetrators of these acts will be punished.
Black Sea turned into important battlefield
The Black Sea has become an important battlefield after the increase in Ukraine’s naval capabilities.
According to reports Moscow, three weeks ago pulled out from an export agreement under which Ukraine was allowed to ship millions of tons of grain across the Black Sea for sale on world markets.
An official of Ukraine’s Security Service told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the agency was behind the attack on a Russian tanker as it was carrying fuel for Russian forces.
He added that a sea drone, carrying 450 kilograms of TNT, was used in the attack.
Shipping expert Jayendu Krishna told the American media that such attacks cannot affect Russian shipping activity but would provoke Kremlin to retaliate against Ukrainian forces.
Read Also: Russia Scrambles Fighter Jet to Intercept US Drone over Black Sea
Meanwhile, Kyiv has suggested its 10-point peace formula at talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Arab News reported.
A source in Ukrainian delegation told the media the formula was “supported by several nations” at a summit in Jeddah. Senior officials from more than 40 nations including China, and the US met in Jeddah for talks that Ukraine and its partners hope will lead to a deal on key principles for a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine.
In May, President Zelensky also attended Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
