Turkish Foreign Ministry has issued a press release regarding the Attack on a Turkish-Owned Dry Cargo Vessel in the Black Sea.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has expressed concern following a drone attack on a Turkish-owned cargo vessel in the Black Sea that left two Turkish citizens injured.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said a Turkish-owned, Panama-flagged dry cargo vessel was targeted by an unmanned aerial vehicle near the Port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine on the morning of June 22.

According to the statement, two Turkish crew members were injured in the attack. Turkish authorities are closely monitoring their condition through the country's diplomatic missions in Ukraine.

The ministry said the situation is being followed by Türkiye's embassy in Kyiv and its consulate general in Odesa, which are maintaining contact regarding the welfare of the injured citizens.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the attack highlights the growing risks posed by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, warning that such incidents threaten both regional security and Türkiye's interests in the Black Sea.

Turkish officials said Ankara has conveyed its concerns regarding the attack to the relevant authorities of both Russia and Ukraine, stressing the need to prevent further escalation.

The ministry noted that attacks affecting civilian maritime traffic increase risks for commercial shipping and undermine stability in one of the world's most strategically important maritime regions.

Reaffirming Türkiye's longstanding position on maritime security, the Foreign Ministry stated that ensuring the safe navigation of civilian vessels in the Black Sea remains one of the country's key priorities.

Ankara called on all parties involved in the conflict to take steps to reduce tensions and avoid actions that could endanger civilian ships and crews operating in the region.

The incident comes amid continued hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with concerns growing over the impact of the conflict on commercial shipping routes, regional trade, and maritime security in the Black Sea. (ILKHA)