Turkey summons Ukraine ambassador over Black Sea vessel attacks

Two Turkish‑operated merchant vessels were struck this week amid the ongoing maritime conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The first incident occurred on Tuesday when a cargo ship sailing under the Turkish flag was hit by a missile near the southern coast of Ukraine, sustaining hull damage and injuring two crew members who were later hospitalized. The second vessel, a bulk carrier also registered in Turkey, suffered shellfire while navigating the Black Sea corridor on Friday, resulting in minor structural damage but no casualties. Both incidents were reported to the International Maritime Organization, which confirmed that the attacks were consistent with the heightened military activity reported in the area since the escalation of hostilities in early 2022.

Turkish authorities have condemned the attacks and called for the protection of civilian shipping under international law, urging all parties to respect the safety of the Black Sea grain export route. The incidents underscore the broader risk to commercial navigation as the Russia‑Ukraine war continues to disrupt regional trade, prompting calls from NATO and the United Nations for de‑escalation and the establishment of a secure maritime corridor. Shipping companies are advised to monitor the situation closely and consider alternative routes where feasible.