Moscow has leveled accusations against Ukraine, alleging that it launched an attack on a Russian vessel in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the tanker Arctic Metagaz. This incident reportedly took place near Malta, as stated by the Russian Ministry of Transport, which claims that the ship was en route to Malta from the Russian port of Murmansk with a full cargo. While the Russian Ministry has communicated that all 30 crew members, who are Russian citizens, have been rescued, no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claims of the attack by Ukraine.

The Russian government has characterized the reported event as an act of international terrorism and piracy, further suggesting that EU member states are complicit in permitting such actions. Notably, the Ministry did not offer any information regarding the consequences or repercussions of this alleged attack, an absence that raises questions about the potential for escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, unverified images and videos circulating on social media, purportedly showing the aftermath of the attack, depict smoke and fire on what appears to be a severely damaged ship.

The Maltese armed forces have also commented on the situation, stating that they are aware of an emergency involving the MT Arctic Metagaz and are prepared to respond. This incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and highlights the potential dangers of maritime operations in the Mediterranean, as well as the broader implications for international maritime law and security in the area.