**Türkiye Summons Ukrainian Envoy Following Attacks on Black Sea Shipping**
In a significant diplomatic move, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has summoned Ukraine’s ambassador, Naryman Dzhelialov, in response to recent attacks on Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea. These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the safety of civilian shipping in the region.
The attacks occurred earlier this week near the Russian port of Tuapse. On Wednesday, the cargo ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck by at least three Ukrainian drones, resulting in injuries to five crew members and igniting a fire on board. The following day, another vessel, the Lider Kocatepe, was sent to assist the damaged ship but was also targeted by drones while en route, sustaining damage that necessitated its return to the Turkish port of Samsun.
During the meeting with the Ukrainian envoy, Turkish officials expressed their alarm over the recent events and emphasized the importance of ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, “Türkiye warned about the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation, and of the environment in the Black Sea.”
The backdrop to these incidents is an escalation of hostilities in the region, with Ukraine intensifying its attacks on civilian shipping. Ukrainian forces have targeted vessels traveling to and from Russian ports, with Turkish-linked ships also falling victim to these strikes. In retaliation, Moscow has launched a campaign against Ukrainian military-linked shipping, significantly disrupting operations at Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and halting marine traffic.
Ankara has consistently voiced its concerns regarding the escalating conflict and its impact on maritime safety. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan previously called for a “moratorium” on attacks in early August, highlighting that the conflict has spread across the entire Black Sea and that both Moscow and Kiev have been targeting commercial shipping indiscriminately.
The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation as both sides continue their military operations. The Turkish government is advocating for de-escalation and a return to safe navigation practices in the Black Sea, underscoring the need for cooperative efforts to protect civilian maritime activities in the region.