Turkey summons Ukrainian ambassador after drone attacks on ships in Black Sea

Diplomatic summons in Ankara

On 29 August 2026, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Nariman Dzhelialo to its headquarters in Ankara. Turkish diplomatic officials communicated Ankara's reaction and presented formal warnings regarding security conditions across the Black Sea. The meeting took place following two separate drone strikes on Turkish-operated merchant vessels earlier in the week. The ministry addressed the risks posed to civilian crews, vessels, commercial navigation, and the maritime environment. Ankara has maintained that civilian shipping corridors must remain protected, having previously called for an official moratorium on attacks targeting commercial vessels.

During the meeting, Turkiye warned about the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, of assets, of navigation and of the environment in the Black Sea.

Strikes off the coast of Tuapse

The diplomatic action followed two maritime strikes off the Russian port city of Tuapse. Sources reported that the Turkish-operated container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck on 26 or 27 August while operating off Tuapse. The following day, the vessel Lider Kocatepe was dispatched to assist and tow the container ship but was also targeted by a drone. Local media reported that the damaged Lider Bordo Mavi was successfully towed across the sea to the northern Turkish port of Samsun. Turkish officials did not provide figures regarding casualties or injuries aboard the two vessels.

Commercial shipping casualties

The Tuapse strikes follow other recent attacks on civilian maritime traffic in the Black Sea. Earlier in August 2026, three crew members sustained serious injuries when a drone struck the cargo ship Nadezhda near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. According to a report by the Turkish Shipowners' Association, a total of 146 commercial ships have suffered damage in the Black Sea since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. These incidents resulted from drone and missile impacts, drifting sea mines, and armed boardings. Among all damaged vessels, 34 were Turkish-owned or Turkish-operated. Maritime incidents reached 82 in 2026, up from 13 in 2022, eight in 2023, five in 2024, and 13 in 2025.

Mediation and economic ties

On 8 August 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned about the expanding geographical scope of maritime operations in the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces have targeted merchant vessels and tankers carrying Russian grain and hydrocarbons in an effort to restrict Moscow's export revenues. Fidan expressed regret that vessels owned by Turkish operators or sailing under the Turkish flag were being caught in the conflict.

The conflict has expanded across the entire Black Sea. At first, they targeted ports and military vessels. Now, they are attacking all commercial shipping, without any distinction.

Turkey has maintained diplomatic and trade ties with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the war, positioning itself as a mediator between the two sides. Ankara has declined to participate in Western economic sanctions against Russia while continuing to supply defense equipment to Ukraine. Bilateral economic ties with Kyiv advanced further when the Ukrainian parliament ratified a free trade agreement between Turkey and Ukraine in July 2026.