Türkiye has condemned a strike by an unmanned aerial vehicle on a Turkish-owned dry cargo vessel in the Black Sea on the night of May 28. The vessel, owned by a Turkish company, Vanuatu-flagged, was transporting dry cargo from the Port of Odesa, Ukraine, to Türkiye when it was attacked by an unmanned aerial vehicle, according to Turkey’s foreign ministry.

Türkiye stated that two of its citizens in the crew sustained minor injuries as a result of the attack on the ship in the Black Sea.

It was noted that their condition is being monitored by Turkey’s Consulate General in Odesa.

The foreign ministry expressed concern over the escalation in the Black Sea related to the war.

“Our concerns regarding the risks and threats posed to our region by the recent war related escalation observed in the Black Sea, as well as our warnings about its potential negative repercussions for our country, are being conveyed at all levels to all relevant parties,” the statement of the ministry reads.

It also reiterated its warning to all parties to refrain from steps that could lead to an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict. It repeated calls for ensuring the safety of navigation for civilian vessels in the Black Sea and for ending the war through negotiations.

Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasized that it is ready to facilitate measures aimed at preventing further escalation and accelerating the peace process.

Ukraine says 3 ships attacked by Russia’s UAVs

In total, three merchant ships moving along the sea corridor were attacked by Russia’s UAVs last week, according to the deputy prime minister for restoration of Ukraine, minister for communities and territories development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba.

As a result of the strikes on board the ships, fires broke out, which were extinguished by the crews.

“Russia has carried out another attack on civilian shipping in the Black Sea. During the evening and night, enemy UAVs attacked three foreign merchant ships moving along the sea corridor,” Kuleba said in a post on X on May 29.

Kuleba confirmed that the two crewmembers of the Vanuatu-flagged ship suffered minor injuries, but they were provided with the necessary assistance. The ship itself was towed for repairs, he said.

He did not provide details on the other two ships, but said that Ukraine maintains the operation of the sea corridor, and ports and crews continue to ensure the movement of cargo and global food security despite the constant attacks.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.