Turkey Expresses 'Serious Concern' Over Attacks
Two Turkish-owned vessels were struck by drones after departing from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, injuring several crew members. Ankara calls for urgent measures to ensure navigational safety.
Two Turkish-owned vessels were struck by drones after departing from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, injuring several crew members. Ankara calls for urgent measures to ensure navigational safety.
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, over attacks on two civilian vessels in the Black Sea. The ships Yasar and Nadezhda, sailing under the flags of Panama and Cameroon but Turkish-owned, were attacked by drones late Monday after departing from the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
Several crew members, including Turkish nationals, were injured in the attack, and the ministry stated that "their condition is being closely monitored." This is the latest in a series of incidents threatening civilian navigation in the region amid the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The ministry warned that further escalation could impact food supplies and urged all parties to "urgently implement concrete measures to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea." The statement read: "We are deeply concerned about the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, which is affecting civilian shipping despite our numerous warnings."
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the importance of preserving shipping lanes. "The safety of navigation and commercial security in the Black Sea are of vital importance," Fidan said last month during a visit to Kyiv. He also recalled the United Nations proposal to uphold commitments related to energy and navigation security, stressing that the goal is to protect global grain supplies.
Attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea have intensified in recent weeks. In late June 2026, a Turkish fishing boat was attacked off the coast of Crimea, killing one person and injuring four others. In late May, Turkey warned of an "uncontrolled escalation" after a drone struck a Turkish cargo ship; the Ukrainian navy then claimed that a Russian drone had carried out the attack.
"Two years ago, the grain deal achieved partial success, allowing Ukrainian grain to reach global markets freely. This not only helped stabilize prices but also significantly contributed to food security in many parts of the world, including Africa," Fidan said.
In response to growing threats, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria have established a maritime safety initiative whose primary task is to clear stray sea mines in the Black Sea. The war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its third year, has severely jeopardized maritime security in the region, with several drone crashes of Russian or Ukrainian origin already recorded on Turkish territory.
Although the incident has no direct connection to Croatia, the safety of navigation in the Black Sea and the stability of global food supply chains indirectly affect the Croatian market and economy.
