Türkiye Summons Ukraine Ambassador Over Black Sea Attacks on Turkish-Operated Ships

Ankara has summoned Ukraine’s ambassador after two Turkish-operated commercial vessels were targeted in separate incidents in the Black Sea, renewing concerns over the safety of civilian shipping in the region.

Türkiye summoned Ukraine’s ambassador in Ankara following attacks on two Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea on August 26 and 27, 2026. Turkish officials said the meeting was used to convey Ankara’s concerns and stress the need to protect lives, property, navigation and the marine environment.

Two Turkish-Operated Vessels Targeted

According to Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry, the container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck on August 26 while operating off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Tuapse.

A second Turkish-operated vessel, Lider Kocatepe, which was dispatched to tow the damaged ship, was also targeted the following day.

Turkish authorities did not immediately announce any casualties linked to the incidents.

Local reports said the Lider Bordo Mavi was subsequently towed to the Turkish port of Samsun.

Türkiye Raises Safety Concerns

During the meeting with the Ukrainian ambassador, Turkish officials emphasized what they described as the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, commercial assets, navigation and the environment across the Black Sea.

The incidents have added to growing concerns in Ankara about attacks on civilian and commercial shipping as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to affect maritime activity in the region.

Türkiye has repeatedly urged both Russia and Ukraine to avoid attacks that could threaten civilian vessels.

Ankara Calls for Halt to Black Sea Attacks

Earlier in August, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea, warning that the conflict had increasingly spread across the wider maritime region.

Türkiye has sought to maintain relations with both Moscow and Kyiv throughout the war while also positioning itself as a potential diplomatic intermediary.

As a NATO member, Türkiye has supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity but has maintained economic and diplomatic ties with Russia and has not joined the broad Western sanctions regime against Moscow.

Commercial Shipping Faces Growing Risks

The latest incidents come amid escalating risks for commercial vessels operating in and around the Black Sea.

Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting maritime infrastructure and ships linked to trade and exports. Recent tensions have also complicated efforts to establish arrangements protecting civilian vessels and agricultural shipments in the region.

Türkiye’s latest diplomatic intervention underscores its concern that continued attacks could endanger crews, disrupt international shipping routes and further destabilize commercial activity across the Black Sea.

Source: Türkiye Foreign Ministry statements and international news reports, August 29–30, 2026.