Türkiye concerned over attack on Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port, warns of heightened Black Sea security risks

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye on Friday expressed concern after a foreign-flagged vessel operated by a Turkish company was damaged in an attack on Ukraine’s Chornomorsk Port, saying the incident once again underscored earlier warnings over the spillover of the war into the Black Sea.

“This incident points to the validity of our previously recorded concerns regarding maritime security and freedom of navigation, as the war in our region continues to spread across the Black Sea,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that, according to initial information, crew members and truck drivers on board had been evacuated, no Turkish nationals were harmed, and the Consulate General in Odesa was closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary assistance to citizens.

“On this occasion, we once again emphasize the importance of bringing the war between Russia and Ukraine to an immediate end,” it said.

The ministry also reiterated the need for a regulation to suspend attacks targeting navigation safety as well as the energy and port infrastructure of the parties to prevent further escalation in the Black Sea.

Russia launched a ballistic missile and drone attack against Ukraine’s Odesa region, triggering explosions in multiple locations and prompting air defense activity, according to Ukrainian media reports on Friday.

Explosions were heard in the port city of Chornomorsk and several districts of Odesa after targets were detected coming from the Black Sea, the local news service Dumskaya reported, citing correspondents on the ground.