Turkey summons Ukraine envoy over Black Sea

Turkey summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara on Saturday over attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. The diplomatic move follows two strikes on Turkish-operated vessels this week, as reported by the AFP news agency.

Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialo was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials communicated Turkey's concerns directly. "During the meeting, Turkiye warned about the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation and of the environment in the Black Sea," the ministry stated.

Details of the incidents

The meeting was prompted by specific attacks. The Turkish-operated container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck in the Black Sea on Wednesday. It was off the coast of Tuapse, Russia, at the time.

Another vessel, the Lider Kocatepe, was targeted by a drone the following day. It was on its way to assist the stricken Lider Bordo Mavi. Turkish media reported that the damaged Lider Bordo Mavi was later towed to the Turkish port of Samsun.

Broader context of Black Sea tensions

Navigating the Black Sea has carried heightened risk since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022. Attacks there have escalated recently. Turkey has been calling for a halt to attacks on civilian vessels as Ukraine and Russia continue to target each other's export revenues.

Several commercial Turkish ships have been hit by drones thought to have been launched by Ukraine. Earlier this month, three crew members were seriously injured when the Nadezhda cargo ship was hit by a drone near the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Turkey's diplomatic balancing act

Turkey maintains relations with both Moscow and Kyiv. It has positioned itself as a mediator. The country has not applied Western sanctions on Russia. It has also sold US-made defence equipment to Ukraine. A free trade agreement between Turkey and Ukraine was ratified by the Ukrainian government in July.

The safety of the Black Sea is crucial for Turkey. Its commercial vessels regularly transit the waterway. Earlier this month, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for a halt to attacks. "They are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction," he said.