Striking of a Turkish Ship at the Port of Chernomorsk, Ukraine (2025)

The striking of a Turkish vessel at the Chornomorsk Port occurred during a Ukrainian attack on the Chornomorsk Port on 12 December 2025, resulting in damage to a foreign-flagged vessel owned by a Turkish company. The incident has been recorded within the context of developments concerning maritime traffic and port security in the Black Sea during the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Background

Throughout the Russia-Ukraine war, maritime security freedom of navigation and the protection of port infrastructure in the Black Sea have been subjects of international debate. Turkey has previously issued multiple warnings that the expansion of the conflict into maritime areas poses serious risks to regional stability and commercial maritime traffic.

Incident

During the Ukrainian attack on the Chornomorsk Port on 12 December 2025 a foreign-flagged vessel owned by a Turkish company was struck and damaged. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye based on initial information the crew and truck drivers aboard the vessel were evacuated. No Turkish nationals were reported injured in the incident. The Turkish Consulate General in Odesa has been closely monitoring developments and providing necessary support to citizens on site.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye stated that the attack clearly demonstrated the risk of the ongoing war in the Black Sea extending to maritime zones. The statement emphasized that the validity of previously expressed concerns regarding maritime security and freedom of navigation had been reaffirmed. The Ministry further called on the parties to prevent further escalation in the Black Sea and stressed the need for an arrangement to suspend attacks specifically targeting energy and port infrastructure.