Turkey Closely Monitoring Rising Attacks on Commercial Ships in Black Sea: Fidan

Dragon Media News Desk

Turkey is closely monitoring developments in the Black Sea as attacks involving Turkish commercial vessels have increased, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Fidan said that although Turkish ships account for a relatively small proportion of the total number of vessels attacked, the number of incidents remains a matter of concern.

He also said Ankara has proposed a temporary halt to military actions involving the parties to the Ukraine conflict, including measures aimed at improving security in the Black Sea.

According to Fidan, Turkey’s priority is to prevent further escalation in the Black Sea, ensure the safety of civilian and commercial navigation, and limit the broader regional consequences of the conflict.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry had earlier expressed serious concern over escalating tensions in the Black Sea following attacks on the civilian vessels Nadezhda and Yasar near Novorossiysk on August 3.

The ministry warned that failure to take preventive measures to contain the situation could have serious consequences not only for regional security but also for food security.

As the Black Sea remains an important maritime corridor for international trade and food shipments, growing risks to civilian vessels have prompted heightened concern in Turkey.

Ankara’s recent statements indicate that it intends to approach Black Sea security through a broader framework focused on reducing military tensions, protecting civilian navigation, and preserving regional stability.