Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry has summoned Ukrainian Ambassador to Ankara Nariman Dzhelyal following drone attacks on two Turkish-owned vessels in the Black Sea, Turkish media reported Saturday.

The ambassador was summoned after the attacks on the Lider Bordo Mavi and Lider Kocatepe, according to a Turkish diplomatic source cited by the IHA news agency.

The Lider Bordo Mavi, owned by a Turkish company, came under attack on August 26 near the Russian port city of Tuapse. The following day, the Lider Kocatepe was attacked while heading toward the area to assist the first vessel.

“The ambassador was informed of our country’s reaction to these attacks and warned about the need to ensure the safety of people, property, shipping and the environment in the Black Sea,” the diplomatic source said.

Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Turkish cargo vessel Lider Bordo Mavi near Tuapse, injuring five crew members, Erkut Celebi, head of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Thursday.

The incident has added to growing concerns in Türkiye over the increasing risks faced by civilian and commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Another Turkish-linked vessel, the Ural, was also reportedly attacked in the Black Sea on August 22. According to the DHA news agency, one sailor was killed and eight others were injured in the incident.

The Ural had reportedly approached the cargo vessel Necibe after it came under attack and rescued 18 sailors aboard the vessel. The Ural was subsequently targeted itself, according to the report.

Despite the attack, the vessel continued its voyage and was expected to reach Samsun, in northern Türkiye, on Sunday.

The incidents come as military activity in the Black Sea continues to pose increasing risks to commercial shipping and civilian crews.

Türkiye has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting maritime navigation and preventing the Russia-Ukraine conflict from creating further threats to regional security, civilian vessels and the environment. (ILKHA)