Turkish-owned vessels caught in escalating Ukraine war
What Happened?
Russian forces launched strikes on two major Ukrainian ports, damaging three Turkish-owned vessels and heightening concerns over maritime security in the Black Sea. The attacks, carried out on Friday, targeted civilian shipping and port infrastructure, according to Ukrainian and Turkish officials.
Where Did the Attacks Take Place?
The strikes hit the ports of Chornomorsk and Odesa in Ukraine’s southwestern Odesa region along the Black Sea coast. Both ports are key hubs for commercial shipping and food exports.
Who Was Affected?
Ukrainian navy sources confirmed that three Turkish-owned ships were damaged in the attacks. Among them was the Panama-flagged vessel Cenk T, owned by a Turkish shipping company. The company confirmed that the strike occurred around 4pm local time, reporting limited damage to the ship and no injuries to crew members.
In Odesa, a cargo loader was also damaged, and an employee of a private company sustained minor injuries.
How Were the Strikes Carried Out?
According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba, Russian forces used drones and ballistic missiles in the attacks. He said the strikes were aimed at civilian logistics and commercial shipping rather than military targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared footage showing firefighters battling a blaze aboard a civilian vessel in Chornomorsk. He stated that the attacks had no military purpose and accused Russia of deliberately targeting normal civilian life.
Why Are These Attacks Significant?
The strikes come amid escalating tensions in the Black Sea and follow recent warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine could be cut off from maritime access. These threats were issued after Kyiv launched maritime drone attacks on what Russia describes as its “shadow fleet” of unmarked oil tankers.
The latest attacks have intensified concerns that the conflict is increasingly spilling into international shipping lanes, endangering civilian vessels and global trade routes.
What Is Turkey’s Response?
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the damage to the Turkish-owned vessel and stated that no Turkish nationals were harmed. The ministry warned that the strikes underscore growing risks to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously urged a limited ceasefire covering energy facilities and ports during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that further escalation could destabilize the wider region. Turkey has reiterated its readiness to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.
What Comes Next?
President Zelenskyy said the attacks demonstrate Russia’s disregard for diplomatic efforts and urged the international community to recognize those responsible for targeting civilian logistics and shipping. As fighting intensifies around key ports, regional powers, particularly Turkey, which has the longest Black Sea coastline, remain increasingly concerned about the safety of maritime routes and the risk of broader escalation.