Mediterranean tanker attack draws renewed criticism from Moscow

Ryabkov cites the Arctic Metagaz incident as Moscow raises concerns about Ukrainian armed personnel operating in Africa.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has linked the attack on the gas carrier Arctic Metagaz to what Moscow describes as Ukrainian military activity in Africa, citing Russian allegations that the operation was launched from Libya.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum on 28 October, Ryabkov said events in North Africa and the Mediterranean illustrated the dangers of Ukrainian armed personnel operating on the continent. 

The Russian-flagged liquefied natural gas carrier was attacked on 3 March while travelling from Murmansk to China. Russia’s transport ministry blamed Ukrainian uncrewed boats launched from the Libyan coast. Responsibility for the attack remains attributed here to the Russian authorities. 

In its account released on 26 March, Russia’s Investigative Committee said at least two aerial drones and three explosive-laden uncrewed boats had struck the vessel. It opened a criminal investigation under Russian legislation covering international terrorism. 

The damaged carrier subsequently drifted towards Libya without a crew. Authorities in Tripoli announced in late March that coastguard teams had begun towing it away from the coast amid concerns about the environmental risk. 

All 30 crew members, who were Russian nationals, were rescued. Two suffered serious burns and received treatment in Benghazi before being flown to Russia, according to the Russian foreign ministry. 

Investigators said in May that both injured sailors had completed treatment. They also reported recovering the ship’s voyage data recorder for examination as part of the investigation.