Russia has presented Turkey with detailed evidence of Ukrainian attacks on the critical TurkStream gas pipeline, escalating tensions between the nations involved in an increasingly complex energy security battle.

At a Glance

• Russia submitted a diplomatic dossier to Turkey containing maps and documentation of alleged Ukrainian drone strikes on the TurkStream pipeline
• The pipeline is crucial for Turkey’s energy security, delivering 16.7 billion cubic meters of gas in 2024 with a total annual capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters
• Turkish Energy Minister confirmed an attack but stated there was no interruption in gas flow
• Both Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating a U.S.-brokered 30-day moratorium on energy infrastructure attacks
• TurkStream remains the only direct pipeline connecting Russia to Europe through Turkish waters

Evidence of Attacks Presented to Turkish Officials

Russia has delivered a comprehensive dossier to Turkish officials containing what they claim is evidence of Ukrainian attacks targeting the TurkStream natural gas pipeline. The documentation includes detailed maps and descriptions of drone activities allegedly conducted by Ukrainian forces against Russian energy infrastructure. Turkish authorities have reviewed the materials, and similar evidence has reportedly been sent to other European nations with stakes in the pipeline’s operation.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence claims Ukrainian forces targeted a gas compressor station servicing the TurkStream pipeline with drones in January, followed by another attack on the same station last month. Moscow describes both incidents as failed strikes that were successfully thwarted by Russian defenses. Since 2023, Russia has accused Ukraine of multiple sabotage attempts on the pipeline, which serves as a vital energy artery for both Turkey and several European nations.

Turkey’s Strategic Energy Interests

The TurkStream pipeline spans over 930 kilometers, delivering gas from Russia to Turkey and continuing onward to European markets. With a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters annually, the pipeline is critical to Turkey’s ambitions to become a regional energy hub. Of the two pipelines running under the Black Sea, one serves Turkey’s domestic needs while the other transits gas to Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.

“By 2025, TurkStream remains the only pipeline route supplying Russian natural gas to Europe through Türkiye. Of the two pipelines, each with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters running under the Black Sea, one serves Türkiye’s domestic needs, while the other is used for transit to Bulgaria via the Strandzha station,” stated former BOTAS General Manager Gokhan Yardim.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar acknowledged an attack had occurred but downplayed its impact, stating: “There was no interruption in gas flow after the attack. The pipeline continues to deliver gas at the same capacity.” This represents Turkey’s delicate balancing act, maintaining energy ties with Russia while also providing military support to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.

Accusations Amid Broken Ceasefire

The allegations come amid heightened tensions following a U.S.-brokered 30-day moratorium on energy infrastructure attacks that began in April 2024. Both Russia and Ukraine now accuse each other of violating this agreement. Russian media has reported Ukrainian drone attacks on gas infrastructure sites in Russia’s Krasnodar region, including a key compressor station for TurkStream, which Russia claims to have successfully defended.

Ukraine’s military has dismissed Russia’s allegations as “fake,” characterizing them as disinformation designed to justify Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The conflicting narratives highlight the energy dimension of the conflict, with critical infrastructure becoming legitimate targets in the broader war strategy.

NEW: Russia hands Turkey 'evidence' of Ukrainian attacks on TurkStream pipeline

• Russian officials ramp up lobbying by providing a dossier on Ukraine's purported attacks, including maps and other materials https://t.co/mh9WmfwlUY

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) April 22, 2025

Geopolitical Implications

The situation underscores Turkey’s complex position in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. While maintaining trade relations with Russia, particularly in energy, Turkey has also supplied Ukraine with Bayraktar drones and other military equipment. The alleged attacks on TurkStream further complicate this balancing act, potentially forcing Turkey to take a more definitive stance if the pipeline’s security comes under genuine threat.

A failed Ukrainian naval operation targeting TurkStream was previously reported by Der Spiegel in late 2022, suggesting a pattern of interest in the pipeline as a strategic target. With TurkStream and Blue Stream together delivering 47 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Turkey, any disruption would have significant economic implications for the country, which imports 99 percent of its natural gas needs.

As tensions over energy infrastructure continue to escalate, the TurkStream pipeline remains a focal point in the complex web of geopolitical and energy security interests that define Russia’s relationships with both Turkey and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.

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