"This is a terrorist attack. This isn't the first time we've seen this kind of thing, Putin told Russian state television late on Wednesday, accusing Ukraine of being responsible. He said the incident was an attack that exacerbates the situation on global energy markets, including gas markets."
"The Arctic Metagaz had been sanctioned by the US and EU for being part of Moscow's shadow fleet of ageing tankers that carry its oil and gas around the world, skirting Western restrictions. The Libyan Maritime Authority reported sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire on the ship on Tuesday, when it was about 150 miles off the city of Sirte."
"Ukraine's state security service unveiled an upgraded sea drone called the Sea Baby in October, which it said had a range of 930 miles and could carry a weapon of up to two tonnes. Ukraine's military has said in the past that it used sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea."
The Arctic Metagaz, a sanctioned Russian LNG carrier part of Moscow's shadow fleet, experienced sudden explosions and caught fire off Libya's coast, ultimately sinking between Libya and Malta. The vessel was carrying 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas when the incident occurred. All 30 crew members were rescued safely. Putin characterized the incident as a terrorist attack and blamed Ukraine, claiming it exacerbates global energy markets. Russia's transport ministry alleged Ukrainian sea drones launched from the Libyan coast caused the explosions. Ukraine has not publicly confirmed responsibility, though it previously acknowledged using aerial drones against Russian tankers in December and has developed advanced sea drones with extended range capabilities.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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