Many people appear to be growing weary of the Russia–Ukraine war, if they are not already exhausted by it.
Since the conflict began, other wars have emerged around the world, yet many of them concluded within weeks after the international community urged the warring parties toward peace.
The Russia–Ukraine war, however, has moved beyond the stage of caution and restraint. It has defied numerous peace initiatives, and peace remains elusive—perhaps even wishful thinking.
The war does not appear likely to end anytime soon, meaning that more lives and property will continue to be lost.
Reports from various media outlets indicate that thousands of lives have been lost and significant infrastructural damage has occurred since the conflict began.
Despite intermittent discussions, no meaningful peace agreement has been secured.
The frontlines remain active and volatile, and lives continue to be lost daily.
Ukraine, which has suffered significant casualties, has shown no sign of laying down its arms.
The country continues to fight using both conventional and unconventional methods, at times targeting facilities that raise international concern.
For instance, on November 28, 2025, two Gambian-flagged oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, reportedly sustained explosions after being struck by Sea Baby unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), advanced multipurpose drones developed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for operations in the Black Sea.
According to the Ukrainian Independent Information Agency of News (UNIAN), the operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine in coordination with the Naval Forces of Ukraine.
Both vessels were reportedly severely damaged and rendered inoperable.
The international response was swift. Ankara, closely monitoring maritime safety near its territorial waters, issued a strong statement.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stressed that the attacks posed “a serious threat to navigation, life, property, and the environment,” and called on Ukraine to prevent further escalation.
International Law
Under international humanitarian law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, merchant ships and their crews are considered civilian objects and are not legitimate targets unless they are performing military functions.
Following the impact, one of the vessels caught fire and sustained serious damage.
Turkish rescue teams reportedly extinguished the fire and rescued 25 crew members onboard. Reports also indicated that damage to the ship’s control systems led to uncontrolled drifting and the leakage of fuel oil—one of the most toxic marine pollutants.
Environmental experts have long warned that oil spills pose severe threats to marine ecosystems.
Any significant discharge of petroleum products into the sea can result in lasting ecological damage.
The attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea have intensified debates about Ukraine’s military strategy and its justification on the international stage.
Western media coverage of the incident generated widespread public discussion, highlighting potential environmental, economic, and legal consequences.
Support
Some analysts argue that President Volodymyr Zelensky’s willingness to authorise such operations may be influenced by support from European allies.
Others suggest that escalating tensions in the maritime domain could be a strategic attempt to pressure Russia into negotiations.
Critics further contend that such actions may serve political or informational objectives, potentially diverting attention from domestic challenges, including allegations of corruption within Ukraine’s leadership.
It is also important to note that the incidents occurred near Turkish waters, prompting a strong reaction from Turkey.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly described the incident as a “dangerous and completely unacceptable escalation.”
Observers warn that continued attacks on civilian vessels risk destabilising the already tense situation in the Black Sea.
Such incidents may further strain diplomatic relations and complicate efforts toward a negotiated settlement.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh