Kremlin Cites 26 Drone Attacks in Appeal to Turkey
On March 25, Russia escalated diplomatic pressure on Turkey, urging it to use its influence over Ukraine to prevent attacks on critical natural gas infrastructure. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that the risk of strikes against the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines was increasing, prompting Russia to formally communicate its concerns to Turkish officials. Peskov expressed confidence that Turkey could prevent what he termed "such reckless actions."
The appeal follows a series of alleged attacks reported by Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom. Between March 17 and March 19, the company claimed its infrastructure was targeted by 26 Ukrainian drones. The attacks reportedly focused on three compressor stations vital for exports: the Russkaya station (22 UAVs), the Kazachya station (three UAVs), and the Beregovaya station (one UAV). Gazprom asserted that all drones were repelled and that its facilities sustained no damage.
Pipeline Threat Adds Pressure to Strained European Gas Markets
The TurkStream and Blue Stream pipelines represent Russia's last significant gas export routes to Europe, traversing the Black Sea to Turkey. From there, gas is supplied to several European countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia. Any successful disruption would have immediate consequences for energy supply in Southeastern Europe and likely trigger price spikes across the continent.
This latest escalation introduces fresh instability into global energy markets, which are already strained by high prices and geopolitical conflicts. Peskov warned that the Ukrainian attacks threaten "international energy routes" at a time of "extreme destabilisation." While Russia's military is working to counter the threat, the public appeal to Turkey signals a new phase in the conflict over energy infrastructure, placing a key NATO member at the center of the dispute.
