Ankara summoned Ukraine's ambassador after Black Sea ship hits as Royal Navy shadowed sanctioned cargo
Turkey's foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialov after two Turkish vessels were hit in the Black Sea this week. The Royal Navy said HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn tracked Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko escorting sanctioned cargo ships for three days through the North Sea and English Channel. The ministry stressed the absolute need to ensure safety of people, assets and navigation in the Black Sea.
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Ankara summoned Ukraine's ambassador over two ship hits
Turkey's foreign ministry said on Saturday it had summoned Ambassador Naryman Dzhelialov over attacks this week on two vessels. Container ship Lider Bordo Mavi was struck on Wednesday off the Russian coast near Tuapse, and Lider Kocatepe was targeted the next day while going to the damaged ship's aid. Turkish shipping and regional sources said Lider Bordo Mavi was carrying fresh produce, caught fire after being hit by three drones, and five crew members were injured. The damaged container ship was towed to the port of Samsun. The ministry warned of the absolute need to ensure the safety of people, assets, navigation and the environment in the Black Sea.[1]
Royal Navy tracked sanctioned cargo for three days
The Royal Navy said HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn, with a Merlin helicopter overhead, tracked four vessels for three days last week through the North Sea and the English Channel. Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko was escorting sanctioned cargo ships General Skobelev and Sparta, and a NATO ally took over monitoring off the French coast. First Sea Lord Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins said Russian shadow-fleet vessels have increasingly been forced to change routes since the operation, adding cost and delay. The Royal Navy said Russia was forced to commit costly military resources in response, including the frigate Neustrashimy.[2]
Commercial shipping pressure tracked in parallel on Black Sea and European waters
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said commercial shipping is being attacked without distinction; Turkey keeps working relations with both Moscow and Kyiv and casts itself as a mediator. Black Sea hits on Turkish ships was followed by Ankara summoning Kyiv's ambassador. The same week the Royal Navy monitored Russian cargo under the UK's sanctions regime listing more than 500 shadow-fleet vessels; BBC data show Royal Navy monitoring activity is up 25 per cent so far this year. In June Royal Marines boarded shadow-fleet tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel.[1], [2]
