Ankara summons Ukraine’s ambassador after drones hit Turkish-operated ships

Russia launched its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022.

Attacks on shipping in the Black Sea have escalated.

Several commercial Turkish ships have been hit by drones thought to have been launched by Ukraine.

The Nadezhda cargo ship was hit by a drone near Novorossiysk earlier in August, seriously injuring three crew.

On Aug. 8 Fidan called for a moratorium or maritime ceasefire on Black Sea attacks.

Fidan said they are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction.

Turkey has been calling for a halt to attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea.

Ukraine and Russia have been targeting each other’s export revenues.

Lider Bordo Mavi left the Turkish port of Samsun around Aug. 25.

The ship was bound for Tuapse after reportedly being unable to call at Novorossiysk.

Lider Bordo Mavi flies the Cameroon flag and is operated by a Turkish company.

Lider Bordo Mavi was carrying fresh produce.

The Turkish-operated vessel Lider Bordo Mavi was struck in the Black Sea.

Lider Bordo Mavi was struck on Aug. 26 / Wednesday.

The strike was off the Russian Black Sea port of Tuapse.

Lider Bordo Mavi was hit by three drones.

The vessel caught fire after it was hit.

Five crew members were injured.

Lider Kocatepe was sent the next day to tow or assist the damaged ship.

Lider Kocatepe was also targeted, including by a drone.

Lider Kocatepe sustained material damage.

Lider Bordo Mavi was towed to the Turkish port of Samsun.

Lider Kocatepe returned to Samsun.

Ukraine did not immediately publicly claim responsibility for either attack.

Russia has attributed similar recent strikes on commercial shipping to Ukrainian forces.

Turkey summoned Ukraine’s ambassador after the attacks on the two Turkish-operated ships.

The ambassador was summoned on Saturday, Aug. 29.

The envoy is Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialov (also spelled Dzhelialo).

The meeting was at the Foreign Ministry in Ankara.

Turkish state agency Anadolu reported the summons, citing Foreign Ministry sources.

Turkish officials warned of the need to ensure safety of people, property, navigation and the environment in the Black Sea.

Turkish officials issued the necessary warnings during the meeting.

Turkish officials conveyed Ankara’s concerns and reaction to the attacks.

The full extent of the damage to both vessels was still being assessed.

Turkey maintains relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

Turkey has positioned itself as a mediator between the two sides.

Turkey has not joined Western sanctions on Russia.

Turkish commercial vessels regularly transit the Black Sea, including under various flags.

Civilian ships in the Black Sea have increasingly been caught up in the Russia-Ukraine fighting.