Russia Strikes Ukrainian Ports, Damages Three Turkish-Owned Vessels as Black Sea Risks Escalate
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Summary:
Russia attacked two Ukrainian ports on Friday, damaging three Turkish-owned commercial vessels, including a ship carrying foodstuffs. The strike comes amid growing fears in Ankara that escalating hostilities in the Black Sea could spill over onto Türkiye’s coastline and threaten global trade routes.
Three Turkish-Owned Ships Damaged in Coordinated Strikes
Ukraine’s government confirmed that Russian drones and ballistic missiles hit port infrastructure in Chornomorsk and Odesa, causing damage to three vessels owned by Turkish companies.
Cenk Shipping said its cargo vessel Cenk T was struck at around 16:00 local time. The crew was unharmed and the damage was limited.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attacks, saying they showed Russia had “no interest in diplomacy” and sought only to “destroy normal life in Ukraine.”
Turkey’s foreign ministry confirmed the damage and noted that no Turkish citizens were injured.
Attack Follows Erdoğan–Putin Call on Port Ceasefire
The strike came just hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with Vladimir Putin, suggesting that a limited ceasefire focusing on energy infrastructure and port facilities could reduce regional risks.
Ankara issued a warning to both sides:
“To prevent escalation in the Black Sea, attacks targeting navigational safety as well as energy and port infrastructure must be suspended.”
Russia has repeatedly threatened retaliation for Ukraine’s drone attacks on Moscow’s “shadow fleet”—tankers used to bypass sanctions and maintain oil exports.
Experts Warn of Severe Escalation and Environmental Risk
International relations expert and former presidential adviser Mesut Casin warned that the tanker attacks risk triggering a wider conflict:
“This escalation is very dangerous; no one can estimate what will happen. Putin says he will use reciprocity rights. This means some of the Russian submarines could attack not only Ukraine but also some Western NATO allies’ tanker ships — a scenario that could cause a very big environmental disaster.”
‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers Raise Safety Concerns
Former diplomat Selim Kuneralp noted that Russia’s shadow fleet often consists of aging vessels operating with minimal oversight:
“These tankers are not modern and are not in good condition. Russia insures them domestically, but how useful and valid those insurances will be remains a question mark.”
With Türkiye’s long Black Sea coastline, officials fear a major spill or explosion could directly impact Turkish waters.
Global Food Security at Stake
Ukraine and Russia remain among the world’s largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. Any further disruption risks amplifying global food insecurity.
Economist Atilla Yesilada of GlobalSource Partners said the consequences could extend far beyond the region:
“Both Ukraine and Russia are leading exporters of basic food and agricultural commodities. Any impairment of grain export routes is bad for the world at a time when we are not certain of crop yields because of ongoing drought elsewhere.”
Insurance premiums for Black Sea routes have already surged as risks multiply.
Türkiye Navigates a Delicate Diplomatic Balance
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan raised the issue during NATO meetings, discussing ways to secure maritime transport. Türkiye continues mine-clearing cooperation with Romania and Bulgaria, while avoiding commitments that could pull Ankara deeper into the conflict.
Under the Montreux Convention, Türkiye maintains its ban on non-resident warships entering the Black Sea.
Former ambassador Kuneralp stressed Ankara’s caution:
“It would put all the burden on Turkey alone. Would it try to intervene in a dispute between Russia and Ukraine? That’s unlikely — it would be too risky.”
Türkiye Hopes Diplomacy Can Contain the Crisis
Ankara remains one of the few actors able to speak directly with both Kyiv and Moscow. With U.S. diplomatic efforts intensifying, Türkiye is focusing on preventing the conflict from creeping closer to its shores.
For now, Turkish officials emphasize de-escalation and safe navigation, while preparing for the possibility of prolonged instability in the Black Sea.
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