Turkey has called on Ukraine and Russia to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea
Turkey called on Ukraine and Russia—the aggressor state—to take measures to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. The statement came after a drone attack near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which damaged a Turkish-owned vessel.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, despite “all our warnings.” The ministry also noted that it is closely monitoring the well-being of its citizens.
According to Hurriyet Daily News, the cargo ship was en route to Turkey when it was struck by a drone off the Black Sea coast of Russia. All 22 crew members were evacuated. Three of them, according to preliminary reports, may have sustained serious injuries.
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Turkey’s General Directorate of Maritime Affairs reported that 13 of the crew members were Turkish citizens. According to preliminary assessments, the ship’s living quarters and bow were damaged, and a fire broke out on board. The Directorate did not name the party responsible for the attack.
Turkey had previously expressed concern over attacks on ships in the Black Sea. In particular, in December 2025, the Turkish Foreign Ministry responded to the damage caused to a ship owned by a Turkish company in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk.
