Turkey summons Ukraine ambassador after two Turkish ships attacked in Black Sea

Ankara has summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey following attacks on two Turkish vessels in the Black Sea earlier this week. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the incidents occurred on August 26 and 27.

During the meeting, Turkey delivered a strong message emphasizing the critical need to safeguard maritime navigation and infrastructure within the Black Sea region. "During this meeting, Turkey conveyed its warnings regarding the imperative need to ensure the security of people, property, navigation, and the environment in the Black Sea," the ministry said.

According to Turkish authorities, the vessel "Lider Bordo Mavi" was struck on August 27 near the Russian port of Tuapse. The following day, the ship "Lider Kocatepe," dispatched to tow the damaged vessel, was also targeted. The ministry did not provide details on potential casualties, though local media reported the damaged ship was safely towed to the port of Samsun.

These attacks come as Turkey has consistently urged both Moscow and Kyiv to establish a moratorium on attacks against commercial ships operating in the Black Sea, a crucial route for cargo, grain, and energy transport. In recent years, several commercial vessels linked to Turkish owners or flying various flags have been targeted by drone attacks attributed to Ukraine, as Kyiv seeks to disrupt shipments perceived as favorable to Russia.

Turkey, maintaining relations with both Ukraine and Russia, has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan previously warned of deteriorating security in the area, noting that attacks have expanded from military targets to all commercial vessels without distinction.

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The conflict has spread throughout the Black Sea. At first, they targeted ports and military ships. Now, they are attacking all commercial ships, without any distinction.