Turkey summons Ukraine ambassador over Black Sea vessel attacks

Turkey summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara on Saturday to voice its concerns after two Turkish-operated vessels were struck in the Black Sea this week amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated its deep unease to Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialo.

During the meeting, Turkish officials stressed the "absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation and of the environment in the Black Sea." This diplomatic action follows two separate incidents involving Turkish commercial ships. The container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was hit on Wednesday off the Russian coast near Tuapse. The following day, the Lider Kocatepe was targeted by a drone while en route to aid the Lider Bordo Mavi.

Turkish media reported that the Lider Bordo Mavi was successfully towed to the Turkish port of Samsun. These attacks underscore Turkey's growing frustration with the escalating risks in the Black Sea, a vital waterway for its commercial shipping. The ministry has been calling for an end to attacks on civilian vessels, noting that "They are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction."

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During the meeting, Turkiye warned about the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation and of the environment in the Black Sea.

Navigating the Black Sea has become increasingly perilous since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While attacks have escalated, several commercial Turkish ships have been hit by drones suspected to be launched by Ukraine. Earlier this month, three crew members were seriously injured when the Nadezhda cargo ship was struck by a drone near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Turkey maintains a delicate diplomatic balance, fostering relations with both Moscow and Kyiv and positioning itself as a potential mediator. It has not imposed Western sanctions on Russia but has supplied defense equipment to Ukraine. A free trade agreement between Turkey and Ukraine was ratified by the Ukrainian government in July. However, the safety of its commercial fleet in the Black Sea remains a paramount concern for Ankara.

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They are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction.