Five crew members were injured after three drones struck a Turkish-owned cargo vessel off Russia’s Black Sea coast. The vessel, carrying fresh vegetables to Russia, was operating under the Trabzon-based shipping company Lider Gida when it was attacked near Tuapse port.

Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian commercial traffic in recent weeks as part of an offensive campaign designed to economically pressure Moscow and compel acceptance of Kyiv’s demands. This incident marks a continuation of Ukraine’s targeting of Novorossiysk, a major Black Sea port, and vessels using its facilities. The Cameroon-flagged Lider Bordo Mavi was struck by three drones off the Russian coast, sparking a fire on board. Global shipping giant MSC recently suspended new bookings to Novorossiysk after an attack on one of its vessels.

Erkut Celebi, head of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the incident as the latest in a series of drone attacks targeting Turkish commercial ships. “Türkiye is clearly being tested,” he stated, warning that such actions threaten Black Sea trade and place significant pressure on Turkish exporters. Turkey has maintained neutral relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the conflict began but faces criticism from Western allies for its diplomatic stance.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced a 40-day “pressure campaign” last month, directing attacks on Russian oil refineries, civilian ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, and commercial warehouses. Ankara has played a key role in facilitating safe passage for Black Sea shipping since 2022. However, recent drone strikes have disrupted these efforts, with Moscow attributing such incidents to Ukrainian operations.

Russian officials warned that Ukraine is engaging in reckless behavior by attacking other nations’ commercial vessels. Following this incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of opening Pandora’s box, and retaliatory strikes have effectively blocked shipments through Ukrainian ports. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted: “Our Turkish colleagues are once again proposing agreements to protect shipping from attacks. Yet it was not us who initiated these hostilities.”