Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey, Naryman Dzhelyal, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in Ankara on Saturday (Sept. 28) for talks on attacks targeting Turkish-operated commercial vessels in the Black Sea, according to AFP citing Turkish officials.
During the meeting, the Turkish side emphasized the “absolute necessity to ensure the safety of people, property, shipping, and the environment in the Black Sea,” according to a statement from Turkey's Foreign Ministry.
The incident follows the Turkish-operated container ship Lider Bordo Mavi being hit by a projectile on Wednesday (Sept. 25) while operating off the coast of Tuapse, Russia. The next day, the Lider Kocatepe was attacked by a drone while en route to assist the Lider Bordo Mavi. Turkish media reported that the Lider Bordo Mavi was later towed to the port of Samsun in Turkey.
Turkey has repeatedly called for an end to attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, as Ukraine and Russia continue to target each other's export revenues. Movement on the sea has become highly risky since Russia launched its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022, and recent attacks have intensified.
Several Turkish commercial ships have been struck by drones, believed to be launched by Ukraine. Earlier this month, three sailors were seriously injured when the cargo ship Nadezhda was attacked by a drone near Russia's Novorossiysk port.
Turkey maintains relations with both Moscow and Kyiv and has acted as a mediator between the two sides. It does not apply Western sanctions against Russia but continues to sell U.S.-made defense equipment to Ukraine. In July, the Ukrainian government ratified a free trade agreement with Turkey.
However, Black Sea security is a vital issue for Turkey, as its commercial vessels frequently pass through this sea route. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for an end to attacks in the Black Sea, stressing: “They are attacking every commercial vessel without distinction.”
