Turkiye Summons Ukrainian Ambassador Following Black Sea Vessel Attacks

Turkiye has summoned Ukraine’s ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara following two separate attacks on Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea. Turkish officials met with Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialo at the ministry on Saturday, according to the AFP news agency.

“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,” the ministry stated.

The diplomatic summons follows an incident on Wednesday when the Turkish-operated container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck in the Black Sea off the coast of Tuapse, Russia. The following day, the Lider Kocatepe was targeted by a drone while traveling to assist the Lider Bordo Mavi. According to Turkish media, the Lider Bordo Mavi was subsequently towed to the Turkish port of Samsun.

Navigating the Black Sea has faced severe risks since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022, with attacks continuing to escalate as both nations target each other’s export revenues. Turkiye has repeatedly urged a halt to attacks on civilian vessels, though several commercial Turkish ships have been hit by drones. Earlier this month, three crew members sustained serious injuries when the Nadezhda cargo ship was struck by a drone near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

While maintaining diplomatic ties with both Moscow and Kyiv, Turkiye has acted as a mediator, refraining from applying Western sanctions on Russia while selling US-made defence equipment to Ukraine. A free trade agreement between Turkiye and Ukraine was also ratified by the Ukrainian government in July.

Nevertheless, maritime safety remains a critical priority for Turkiye as its commercial vessels regularly transit the waterway. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for an end to the maritime strikes, stating, “They are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction.”