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Russia Blames Ukraine for Mediterranean Tanker Explosion, Citing Sea Drones

Yahoo Finance •
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Russia accuses Ukrainian sea drones of causing a massive explosion that sank the Arctic Metagaz, a 61,000-ton liquefied natural gas tanker, in the Mediterranean off Libya’s coast. The Libyan Maritime Authority confirmed the vessel erupted in flames before sinking, with all 30 crew rescued and transferred to a Libyan port. Russian authorities labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” threatening global energy markets, while Ukraine has not publicly addressed the claim. The attack highlights escalating tensions in energy security and sanctions enforcement, as the tanker was part of Russia’s shadow fleet evading Western restrictions. Ukrainian officials previously revealed the Sea Baby drone, capable of striking targets 1,500 kilometers away, suggesting advanced capabilities. Libya and Egypt denied involvement, with the tanker’s last reported position near Malta.