Türkiye voices 'serious concern' over Black Sea vessel attacks

The Turkish Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed "serious concern" over attacks targeting civilian vessels in the Black Sea, confirming that two Turkish-owned ships were struck by unmanned aerial vehicles near Novorossiysk while several crew members — including Turkish nationals — sustained injuries.

Drone strikes hit merchant vessels

The vessels Yasar and Nadezhda came under attack by unmanned aerial vehicles on Monday evening shortly after departing the Port of Novorossiysk, according to the ministry statement. A number of crew members were injured in the strikes, including Turkish citizens whose conditions are being monitored by authorities.

Ankara warns of 'multidimensional consequences'

"We are seriously concerned that, despite all our warnings, the war between Russia and Ukraine is increasingly spreading across the Black Sea in a manner that also affects civilian vessels," the ministry said. The statement called on all parties to "implement concrete measures" to ensure navigational safety in the strategic waterway.

"Unless preventive measures are taken, the escalation in the Black Sea will have multidimensional adverse consequences, including for food security," the ministry added. Ankara emphasized that the safety of its citizens remains the highest priority, with authorities closely monitoring the condition of injured Turkish crew members.