Key facts
- Erdogan spoke with Putin on Oct. 7, stressing Black Sea shipping safety.
- Turkey is ready to contribute to direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
- Drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea have increased recently.
- A Russian drone strike on Oct. 6 killed one crew member on a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel.
- Two ships were hit by drones of unknown origin within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone on Oct. 6.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 7, emphasizing the importance of safety of navigation in the Black Sea amid a recent escalation of drone attacks on merchant vessels. Erdogan's office stated that Turkey is prepared to facilitate direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The security situation for Black Sea shipping has deteriorated in recent weeks. On Oct. 6, drones reportedly struck several merchant vessels, including two ships within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. One Russian drone strike hit a merchant vessel flying the Marshall Islands flag, killing one crew member and injuring seven others, according to Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper. The vessel, carrying rapeseed oil, sustained damage and a fire.
Separately on Oct. 6, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Palau-flagged Able were struck by drones of unknown origin approximately 112 kilometers (70 miles) off Bulgaria's coast, according to Bulgarian broadcaster Nova. This incident is believed to be the first reported drone attack on commercial shipping within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
Earlier, on Oct. 5, a cargo ship caught fire off the Romanian coast following a Russian drone strike, resulting in two fatalities and at least 11 injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a civilian ship, identified as Turkish-owned and transporting corn, was attacked by two Russian drones, killing its captain.
On Oct. 3, Russian forces attacked a Liberian-flagged cargo ship near Odesa, killing one sailor and injuring three others. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority condemned the attack as "deliberate" and accused Russia of terrorizing the merchant fleet.