Turkey Summons Ukraine Ambassador Over Black Sea Ship Attacks

Turkey summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara on Saturday, August 29, to deliver a formal protest and condemnation following two separate attacks on Turkish-operated commercial vessels in the Black Sea earlier in the week. The diplomatic move underscores growing tensions between the two nations over the safety of civilian shipping amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialov was called to the ministry to receive the protest. Officials conveyed Ankara's "absolute condemnation" of the incidents and issued stern warnings about the need to cease shellings and ensure the safety of maritime navigation, lives, property, and the environment in Black Sea waters. The summons followed attacks on two ships. The first incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, when the container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck by drones while sailing near the Russian port of Tuapse. According to Turkish shipping sources, the vessel, which flies a Cameroon flag but is operated by a Turkish company, was carrying fresh produce and caught fire after being hit. Five crew members were injured in the attack.