The attack targeting the Russian LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean Sea on March 3, 2026 is raising new concerns about the risk of escalating conflict, as a European military expert assessed that Ukraine's actions show signs of "becoming out of control" by the West.
Speaking to TASS news agency on April 4 in Geneva, Mr. Ralph Bosshard - former Lieutenant Colonel of the Swiss army and former military advisor to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe - said that the attack on the Arctic Metagaz ship is a sign that the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is acting in an increasingly uncontrollable direction.
According to Mr. Bosshard, what is noteworthy is not only the incident itself, but also the "inexplicably silent" reaction of the Western media. He commented that the lack of public analysis or criticism may reflect the confusion in the approach of European countries to new developments.
This expert believes that in the context of global oil and gas supplies being under great pressure, expanding attacks targeting energy tankers is a risky step.
He emphasized that even the US has been forced to ease some restrictions, allowing Russian oil to continue flowing to markets such as Cuba to avoid supply disruptions.
For Europe as a whole, the Kiev government is gradually becoming like an'unguided bullet' - which could cause unexpected consequences," Bosshard warned. He used the image of a "loose cannon" on the deck - when uncontrolled - that could damage everything around it, to describe the risk of widespread military action today.
The incident also raises questions about the limits of the strategy of attacking energy infrastructure and sea transport - a direction that is said to be able to have a direct impact on the global economy. The Mediterranean is an important shipping route, where large volumes of oil and gas and goods circulate between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
If attacks on merchant ships continue to increase, the risk will not stop at regional conflict. According to Mr. Bosshard, the worst-case scenario is that European countries - which are playing a supporting role in Ukraine - may be dragged deeper into a spiral of tension, even facing direct security risks.
In the event of the conflict expanding throughout Europe, Kiev may unintentionally turn its back on many countries," he said, while warning of the risk of forming a large-scale confrontation related to international maritime security.
There is not yet much detailed information widely announced about the attack on the Arctic Metagaz ship, but this event is being closely monitored by analysts.
