"Ukraine has nothing to do with this incident, and we officially reject any such accusations made by Russian propaganda," Tychy said.

This could be a Russian provocation, the official admitted.

"Furthermore, the route from Russia to Georgia through Turkey's exclusive economic zone makes no sense, and this indicates that Russia may have staged this entire event," the ministry spokesman said.

The tanker"Midvolga-2", which was en route from Russia to Georgia, announced that it was attacked 80 miles off the Turkish coast, according to a statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on Tuesday.

The ship did not request assistance, and its 13 crew members were not injured."Midvolga-2" continued its journey to the Turkish port of Sinope.