Russian Drone Strikes Hit Turkish Ships as Moscow Escalates Attacks on Ukraine’s Ports

Russian suicide drones have struck at least four Turkish-owned vessels within a 48-hour period, marking a sharp escalation in attacks on Ukraine’s port infrastructure and raising concerns over maritime security in the Black Sea.

According to Ukrainian officials and ship owners, Russia targeted two Ukrainian ports on Friday, damaging three Turkish-linked vessels, including a ship carrying food supplies. The strikes came just days after Moscow threatened to effectively cut Ukraine off from the sea amid the ongoing war.

One of the most serious incidents occurred at the port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine’s Odesa region, where a Turkish-owned vessel was set ablaze following a drone strike. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared images showing flames engulfing the ship as firefighters worked to contain the fire. He condemned the attack, saying it demonstrated Russia’s continued disregard for diplomatic opportunities and its intent to destroy everyday life in Ukraine.

“This once again proves that Russia is not taking diplomacy seriously and continues this war to devastate normal life,” Zelenskiy said.

The owner of the affected vessel, Cenk Shipping, confirmed that its ship, the Cenk T, was hit at around 4:00 p.m. local time. While the damage was described as limited, the company said the incident underscored growing risks for civilian and commercial shipping in the region. No crew members were injured.

The attacks followed recent comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who vowed retaliation after Ukraine targeted Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers — vessels Kyiv says help fund Russia’s nearly four-year-long war effort. The latest strikes also came just hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested to Putin that a limited ceasefire covering energy facilities and ports could help de-escalate tensions.

Instead, the drone attacks have intensified fears that commercial shipping — even from neutral or allied countries — is increasingly being drawn into the conflict, threatening food supply routes and international trade through the Black Sea.