Türkiye has expressed deep concern following an attack on Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port on Friday, where a foreign-flagged vessel owned by a Turkish company sustained damage.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release, warning that the incident highlights the growing risks posed by the Russia–Ukraine war to the broader Black Sea region.

According to initial reports, the ship’s crew and accompanying truck drivers were safely evacuated, with no Turkish citizens harmed. The Turkish Consulate General in Odessa is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating assistance for those affected.

Ankara stressed that the attack confirms its earlier warnings about the danger of the ongoing conflict spilling over into the Black Sea and jeopardizing maritime security and freedom of navigation — two critical pillars for regional stability and trade.

In its statement, the ministry reiterated the urgency of ending hostilities between Russia and Ukraine without delay. It also emphasized the need for an arrangement under which both sides suspend attacks that threaten navigation safety, as well as assaults on port and energy infrastructure.

Such measures, the ministry argued, are essential to preventing further escalation and ensuring that the Black Sea does not become a new frontline in the protracted conflict. (ILKHA)