Türkiye calls on Russia and Ukraine to ensure security in Black Sea
Türkiye has called on Russia and Ukraine to take steps to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea after a drone attack near the Russian port of Novorossiysk damaged a Turkish-owned vessel and left three crew members seriously injured.
Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Türkiye's Foreign Ministry said Ankara is seriously concerned about attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea despite "all of our warnings", adding that it is closely monitoring the condition of its citizens.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, the cargo ship, which was heading to Türkiye, was struck by a drone off Russia's Black Sea coast; all 22 crew members were evacuated, with three believed to have sustained serious injuries.
Türkiye's Directorate General of Maritime Affairs said 13 Turkish nationals were among the crew.
Early assessments indicate that the vessel's living quarters and bow were damaged, and a fire broke out on board.
The directorate did not say who was responsible for the attack.
Background:
- On the night of 28-29 May, Russia carried out a targeted strike on a Turkish vessel travelling from a port in Odesa Oblast to Türkiye, sparking a fire.
- In December 2025, Türkiye's Foreign Ministry expressed concern following an attack on a vessel belonging to a Turkish company that was damaged in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk.
- At that time, Türkiye's Foreign Ministry summoned representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian embassies to express concern over a series of attacks on vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet in the Black Sea.
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