Ankara, Turkey – The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that two Turkish citizens, members of the crew of a Panama-flagged cargo ship, were injured following a drone attack that targeted the vessel near the Ukrainian port of Chernomorsk in the Black Sea. This incident marks a new chapter in the repercussions of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which continues to cast a heavy shadow over commercial navigation in the region.
The ministry stated in an official release that preliminary information indicates two sailors were injured during the attack, which occurred on Monday morning. It confirmed that the Turkish Embassy in Kyiv and the Consulate General in Odesa are closely monitoring the condition of the injured, taking all necessary measures to ensure they receive the required healthcare and support.
Growing Turkish Concern Over Regional Threats
Ankara asserted that the continuation of attacks linked to the conflict in Ukraine poses a direct threat to Turkish interests and regional security in the Black Sea basin. The Turkish Foreign Ministry indicated that the widening scope of military operations near commercial shipping lanes is increasing the risks facing civilian vessels and their crews to an unprecedented level.
As part of its diplomatic efforts, the ministry explained that it has conveyed its deep concerns to the relevant authorities in both Russia and Ukraine, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any steps that could lead to further escalation or expose maritime transport to greater risks.
Top Priority for Protecting Civilian Navigation
Turkey places the security and safety of civilian vessels in the Black Sea at the top of its priorities, given the vital role the region plays in global trade and securing supply chains. Ankara has called on all parties involved in the conflict to take practical and effective measures to de-escalate and adhere to safety standards to prevent the recurrence of incidents that threaten international navigation.
This incident comes amid increasing military tensions in Black Sea waters, exacerbating international fears about the conflict’s impact on the security of ports and shipping lanes, which could negatively reflect on the stability of regional trade and the safety of maritime crews finding themselves at the heart of geopolitical risks.
