Türkiye urges action to protect Black Sea shipping after drone attacks

ANKARA

Türkiye has called for urgent measures to protect civilian shipping in the Black Sea after drone attacks on two Turkish-owned vessels, warning that the Russia-Ukraine war is increasingly affecting commercial navigation.

The Foreign Ministry said on Aug. 4 that the Yaşar and Nadezhda were attacked after leaving Russia’s Novorossiysk port the previous evening.

Several crew members, including Turkish citizens, were injured.

“The safety of our citizens is our first priority, and their condition is being closely monitored,” the ministry said.

Ankara expressed serious concern that the war was spreading in the Black Sea despite its repeated warnings.

It said further escalation could have wider consequences, including for food security.

The ministry urged the warring parties and other relevant actors to take immediate concrete measures to ensure safe navigation in the region.

Türkiye’s Maritime Affairs Directorate earlier said the Nadezhda was carrying 22 crew members, including 13 Turkish citizens.

The crew was evacuated to Novorossiysk by Russian naval units, while reports said that three personnel may have been seriously injured.

Turkish authorities did not identify who carried out the attacks.