Russia sends FSB patrol ship to protect disputed rigs in the Black Sea
A Russian FSB ship has been tasked with ensuring the safety of the drilling rig "Tavrida" to protect "the economic interests of the Russian Federation." On Tuesday, December 15, the Border Service of the FSB in annexed Crimea sent a patrol ship, the "Amethyst," to protect from Ukrainian Navy the drilling rig "Chernomorneftegaz,” as reported by the Press Service of the Ministry.
On the morning of December 15, the ship of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine came to the floating drilling rig "Tavrida." The commander demanded information on the crew and the purpose of drilling in this area of the Black Sea. In addition, the Ukrainian ship took photos and video of the objects of "Chernomorneftegaz" on the Golitsyn gas condensate field, according to the Agency.
In response the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation decided to rush a patrol ship to the area. The team was tasked to ensure the safety of the drilling rig "Tavrida" and to protect "the economic interests of the Russian Federation." According to the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, there are two Ukrainian naval forces units near the Odessa and Golitsyn Gas Deposits. The Russian patrol ship continues to patrol the area.
On December 14th, two self-elevating, floating drilling rigs belonging to "Chernomorneftegaz," from the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea, were towed from the Odessa Gas Deposit to the territorial waters of Russia under military guard, "Due to an increased terrorist threat." However, as reported by the "Kommersant" newspaper, the urgent transportation of the drilling rigs was a result of the risk of imminent arrest by the "Naftogaz of Ukraine."