Turkey Protests Black Sea Incidents After Ships Struck in Ukraine War

Turkey has called in Ukraine's ambassador to lodge a formal complaint after Turkish-operated ships came under fire in the Black Sea within days of each other. The incidents mark a troubling expansion of the conflict into commercial shipping lanes, raising concerns about maritime safety in the region.

The two vessels, both operating under Turkish control, sustained damage in separate incidents this week. While details surrounding the attacks remained unclear, both occurred amid intense military operations linked to the Russia-Ukraine war. Turkish officials expressed concern over the threat posed to commercial shipping and neutral parties operating in contested waters.

The summons of Ukraine's ambassador reflects Ankara's frustration with the ongoing conflict's spillover effects on regional commerce and security. Turkey has maintained a delicate diplomatic balance between Russia and Ukraine since the invasion began in February 2022, and the attacks on its vessels complicate that position.

The Black Sea has become an increasingly volatile zone, with shipping disrupted and maritime infrastructure targeted throughout the conflict. Turkey, which controls access to the sea through the Bosphorus Strait, has sought to protect its commercial interests while mediating between the warring parties. The latest incidents underscore the dangers facing neutral vessels operating in contested waters.