Turkey calls for Black Sea navigation safety after ship attacks

Turkey has called on Russia and Ukraine to take measures to protect navigation in the Black Sea after two commercial vessels were damaged in a drone attack near the Russian port of Novorossiisk. The Yasar and Nadezhda, sailing under Panamanian and Cameroonian flags respectively, are owned by Turkish companies. The incident underscores the heightened risks to commercial shipping in the region amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated it is "deeply concerned" by the attacks on civilian vessels and urged the involved parties to prevent similar incidents. "Despite our repeated warnings, attacks on civilian ships continue. We are closely monitoring the situation of our citizens," the ministry said in a statement. One of the cargo ships, reportedly heading to Turkey, was hit by a drone near the Russian Black Sea coast, causing a fire. All 22 crew members were evacuated, and three sustained serious injuries. Turkish maritime authorities confirmed that 13 crew members are Turkish citizens.

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deeply concerned

Preliminary assessments indicate the attack caused damage to the ship's bow and living quarters. Turkish authorities have not attributed responsibility for the attack or identified the drone's origin. This incident follows a pattern of attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Black Sea. In May, Ukrainian authorities accused Russia of intentionally striking a Turkish commercial vessel departing from Odesa, which resulted in a fire onboard. In December 2025, the Turkish Foreign Ministry also expressed concern after a vessel belonging to a Turkish company was damaged in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk.

Ankara had summoned representatives from the Russian and Ukrainian embassies at that time to convey its concerns regarding the series of incidents impacting Black Sea maritime transport. The repeated attacks highlight the fragility of maritime trade routes in the conflict zone and Turkey's role as a key mediator seeking to ensure stability and safety for its commercial interests.

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Despite our repeated warnings, attacks on civilian ships continue. We are closely monitoring the situation of our citizens.