Kathmandu— Ilker Lazoglu, a Turkish sailor, was killed after the ship that rescued him from a drone-struck cargo vessel was itself hit by another drone in the Black Sea, according to multiple Turkish news reports. The initial attack occurred on Tuesday near Russia's port of Tuapse, and the second strike took place near Novorossiysk, an area frequently targeted by Ukrainian drones. The incidents highlight escalating tensions as Ukraine targets Russian ports and shipping it suspects of supporting military logistics, prompting retaliatory strikes from Moscow.

Initial Drone Attack on Cargo Ship

Lazoglu was the cook aboard the San Marino-flagged bulk carrier Necibe when it was reportedly struck by drones at the port of Tuapse. The vessel had been scheduled to load 20,000 tons of wheat. He and the other seventeen crew members were evacuated from the damaged ship following the attack.

Rescue Vessel Targeted

The group was transferred to the Ural, a Turkish-owned cargo ship flagged in Cameroon, for transport to safety. However, that vessel was subsequently hit by a drone near Novorossiysk, which has experienced numerous Ukrainian drone attacks in recent months. Lazoglu and eight other sailors were injured in this second attack.

Russian Response and Accusations

Russian officials have condemned the strikes on civilian ships as terrorist acts and warned that Ukraine is “playing with fire.” President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that Kiev opened a “Pandora’s box” by targeting “civilian targets and logistics,” and suggested Ukraine is now seeking to de-escalate through third parties. He reiterated Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks based on the current situation.

Ukraine's Targeting of Russian Shipping

For several months, Ukraine has been conducting long-range strikes against Russian ports and international shipping suspected of carrying Russian cargo. Moscow has responded by targeting Ukrainian Black Sea ports and vessels it claims are supplying the Ukrainian military, effectively disrupting a key export route for the country.

The incidents underscore the increasing risks to maritime traffic in the Black Sea amid ongoing conflict and raise concerns about further escalation.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.