Kathmandu— A cargo ship owned by a Turkish company was reportedly struck by drones off the Russian port of Tuapse in the Black Sea, injuring five crew members and igniting a fire onboard, according to Turkish media reports. The Cameroon-flagged Lider Bordo Mavi had departed from Samsun, Turkey, carrying fresh vegetables destined for Russia, but diverted to Tuapse from its original destination of Novorossiysk. The incident occurs as Ukraine continues a campaign targeting Russian commercial shipping in the Black Sea, aiming to pressure Moscow economically and disrupt maritime trade.

Escalating Attacks on Black Sea Shipping

Ukraine intensified drone attacks on Russian commercial traffic last month as part of a 40-day campaign intended to exert economic pressure on Russia. The effort seeks to force concessions from Moscow in the ongoing conflict. Prior to this incident, Ukraine repeatedly targeted Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea port, and vessels utilizing its facilities; global shipping giant MSC recently suspended new bookings to and from the port after one of its ships was damaged in an attack.

Turkish Concerns Over Regional Stability

Erkut Celebi, head of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the incident represents a pattern of attacks on Turkish commercial vessels in the Black Sea. He called for financial support from Ankara to assist affected companies, warning that these attacks are threatening regional trade and increasing pressure on Turkish exporters and shipowners. “Türkiye is clearly being tested,” Celebi told reporters.

Russia Accuses Ukraine of Expanding Conflict

Russian officials have condemned the targeting of commercial vessels as dangerous escalation. Following the latest attack, President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of opening ‘Pandora’s box.’ Moscow has effectively halted shipments through Ukrainian Black Sea ports and indicated it does not intend to reinstate previous safe passage arrangements. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that Turkey is proposing a new agreement for shipping safety but emphasized Russia did not initiate the hostilities.

Turkey's Neutral Stance

Türkiye has maintained a largely neutral position in the Ukraine conflict, continuing commercial ties with both Russia and Ukraine – a stance that has drawn criticism from Kyiv’s Western allies. Ankara previously played a significant role in negotiating safe passage for ships through the Black Sea since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, an arrangement that had largely held despite occasional attacks on vessels in neutral waters.

The incident raises concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea and could further disrupt trade routes. It remains to be seen whether negotiations for a new safe passage agreement will succeed.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.