10 Killed in Attack on Turkish Ship in Black Sea; Russia, Turkey Silent

Ukraine reported that a ship departing from Odesa with a cargo of corn was struck by Russian cruise missiles, resulting in the deaths of 10 crew members. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergiy Koretsky, the vessel carried 17 Indian and Syrian nationals, along with one Ukrainian crew member.

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Russia is committing war crimes by attacking civilian merchant ships and undermining Black Sea security. This is an attack on freedom of navigation and the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"Russia is committing war crimes by attacking civilian merchant ships and undermining Black Sea security," Koretsky stated. "This is an attack on freedom of navigation and the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiha added, "A civilian ship, an international crew, a route serving global food security. Putin saw a new target. Putin's Russia does not care who it kills."

Open-source maritime applications identified the struck vessel as the "Golden Leo," owned by a Turkish company based in Mersin and flying a Guinea-Bissau flag. This practice of flying different flags is often used to avoid taxes, among other reasons. Such attacks have become more frequent in the Black Sea since the collapse of the grain corridor agreement, escalating the conflict. Turkey has periodically emphasized the need to ensure the navigational safety of civilian vessels.

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A civilian ship, an international crew, a route serving global food security. Putin saw a new target. Putin's Russia does not care who it kills.

Cumhuriyet newspaper inquired with the Turkish Foreign Ministry about potential statements or warnings to Russia, and also asked Russia if it carried out the attack and why. No responses were received. Meanwhile, retired Vice Admiral Yankı Bağcıoğlu, a member of the CHP's MYK, stated that developments outside Turkish territorial waters are a direct national security issue. He warned that failure to react promptly could lead to Turkish-flagged or connected ships being targeted in the future. Bağcıoğlu urged immediate, high-level diplomatic initiatives and transparent public information, suggesting the Turkish Navy possesses the capability to implement necessary security measures with proper planning and political will.

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Turkish maritime authorities, with their trained personnel, operational experience, and advanced capabilities, are capable of taking the necessary security measures with appropriate planning and political will.