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Türkiye condemned on Friday the growing security risks in the Black Sea after a Turkish-owned cargo vessel—sailing from Ukraine’s Odesa port to Türkiye—was struck by a drone. Two crew members were injured in the strike.
In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said the Vanuatu-flagged, Turkish-owned dry cargo ship came under attack on the night of May 28 while transporting cargo from Odesa.
The ministry said two Turkish nationals serving on the vessel sustained minor injuries and that their condition was being closely monitored by Türkiye’s Consulate General in Odesa.
The ministry said the recent escalation of war-related hostilities in the Black Sea poses increasing risks and threats to regional security and reiterated concerns about potential negative consequences for Türkiye.
“We reiterate our warning to all relevant parties to avoid steps that could lead to an uncontrolled escalation of the war,” the ministry said.
Türkiye also renewed its calls to ensure the safety of civilian navigation in the Black Sea and to end the conflict through negotiations.
The ministry added that Ankara remains ready to support “result-oriented measures based on regional ownership” aimed at preventing further escalation and accelerating peace efforts.
According to reports, the vessel was damaged in a Russian drone strike while approaching or operating near Ukraine’s Odesa region.
The incident marked the latest in a series of attacks affecting commercial shipping in the Black Sea as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to threaten maritime security.
The attack comes amid renewed concerns over the spillover effects of the conflict on Black Sea shipping lanes, a vital route for regional trade and grain exports.
Türkiye has repeatedly warned against actions that could endanger civilian vessels and undermine regional stability.
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