Russian Flagged Tanker
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
ROME/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – A damaged Russian gas tanker is drifting unmanned through the Mediterranean Sea, prompting Malta to prepare emergency measures while tensions linked to the war in Ukraine spill into Europe’s energy and security landscape.
Malta’s maritime authorities said the 277-meter tanker Arctic Metagaz, carrying thousands of tons of liquefied gas, was drifting in international waters about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Malta.
Officials warned the vessel could pose a hazard to other ships as it may no longer be maneuverable.
The tanker caught fire earlier this week off the coast of Libya following explosions.
Russia accused Ukraine of attacking the vessel with an unmanned drone boat. All 30 crew members were reportedly rescued.
DRIFTING TANKER SPARKS CONCERN
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the incident as a “terrorist attack,” though Ukrainian officials have not confirmed responsibility.
Malta has warned ships to remain at least five nautical miles (about nine kilometers) away from the tanker while authorities monitor the situation.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta was preparing an emergency plan in case the drifting vessel becomes a maritime danger.
Italian authorities have not confirmed reports that the tanker could drift toward the island of Lampedusa.
HUNGARY-UKRAINE ENERGY DISPUTE
The maritime incident comes amid rising tensions between Hungary and Ukraine over energy supplies.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of attacking infrastructure linked to the TurkStream pipeline, which transports Russian gas to Europe through Turkey.
He claimed Kyiv was attempting to impose what he called an “energy blockade” on Hungary ahead of upcoming elections.
Ukraine denies targeting Hungary’s energy supply.
EU SEEKS PIPELINE INSPECTION
The dispute intensified after the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia, was damaged earlier this year, disrupting deliveries.
The European Union’s executive, the European Commission, has proposed sending a fact-finding mission to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline.
Hungary and Slovakia say Kyiv has been delaying repairs, an accusation Ukraine rejects.
The pipeline remains important for Hungary, which still imports Russian oil despite broader European efforts to reduce reliance on Moscow.
DRONES AND DIPLOMACY
However, Ukraine is expanding defense cooperation with allies.
Ukraine and Romania agreed to jointly produce military drones and strengthen energy cooperation after talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Romanian President Nicușor Dan.
The war-torn nation has become one of the world’s leading developers of combat drones during the war with Russia, and several countries have shown interest in its technology.
Zelenskyy was also expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and ways to counter Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” that evades sanctions.
As tensions rise, the United States has urged Ukraine and Russia to hold a new round of peace talks, possibly next week in Switzerland or Turkey.
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