Istanbul (Monitoring Desk) Türkiye has strongly condemned drone attacks targeting two commercial ships in the Black Sea, warning that such incidents could pose a threat to global maritime trade and food security. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both ships were attacked by drones in the Black Sea after departing from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, leaving several crew members injured. Authorities said the condition of the injured is being closely monitored.
Turkish officials expressed concern over rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, stating that despite repeated warnings, civilian shipping continues to be affected, which could negatively impact global trade and food supply chains.
Türkiye urged all relevant parties to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety of maritime routes in the Black Sea and prevent disruption to commercial activities.
According to reports, the two targeted vessels were Yaser and Nadizheda, registered under the flags of Panama and Cameroon respectively, but owned by Turkish companies.
Meanwhile, tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea continue to escalate, with recent months witnessing an increase in attacks on commercial vessels. Reports said that in late June, a Turkish fishing boat near Crimea was attacked, killing one person and injuring four others, while a Turkish cargo ship was also targeted in a drone attack at the end of May.
Separately, four people, including a soldier, were killed in a shooting incident in Sevastopol, a Russian-controlled city in Crimea. Local authorities said a soldier first shot his colleague and later targeted three civilians. The attacker has been arrested, and an investigation into the incident is underway.