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Ukraine jeopardizes international navigation in Black Sea — experts
Maritime security experts and Russian officials have reported renewed Ukrainian attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, including tankers within Turkey's exclusive economic zone. Ambrey warns of elevated threats to merchant shipping through the summer, while Moscow condemns the strikes as terrorist acts and calls for international response.
Lead
Recent Ukrainian attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea have jeopardized international mercantile navigation in the region, according to UK-based maritime security company Ambrey, as reported by TASS. The company noted that three tankers used to transport Russian hydrocarbons were struck by Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles within Turkey's exclusive economic zone, signaling a renewed intent to operate well outside the recognized conflict zone.
Coverage Comparison
Reporting from TASS, Russia's state news agency, presents the attacks as part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian military actions threatening civilian shipping. The coverage emphasizes the perspective of Russian officials, particularly Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who condemned the strikes and called for international accountability. The reports also include Ambrey's assessment, which warns of elevated risks to merchant vessels in the region through the summer operating season.
Key Claims
- Resumed Ukrainian attacks on civilian vessels: Ambrey told TASS that Ukraine has resumed strikes inside Turkish waters after a "diplomatically driven pause," indicating renewed intent to act outside the recognized conflict zone.
- Attacks on three tankers: Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles targeted three tankers transporting Russian hydrocarbons within Turkey's exclusive economic zone.
- Elevated threat to merchant shipping: Ambrey assesses the threat to merchant vessels in the exclusive economic zones of Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia as "elevated and likely to persist through the summer operating season."
- Attack on Turkish vessel: According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, as reported by TASS, a Turkish-owned dry cargo vessel was attacked by a UAV in the Black Sea on May 28, injuring two people.
- Russian condemnation: Maria Zakharova called the attack on the Turkish vessel a "terrorist act" and insisted that organizers and perpetrators must be held accountable.
- Allegations of bandit-style raids: Zakharova accused Ukrainian troops of carrying out "bandit-style raids" on vessels using uncrewed boats or drones and then blaming Russia.
Perspectives
Russian Official Position
Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the May 28 attacks as acts of terrorism, calling for thorough international investigation and accountability. Zakharova expressed concern over what she described as an escalation of "terrorist activity" by the "Kiev regime" in the Black Sea, warning of risks to civilian navigation.
Maritime Security Assessment
Ambrey, a UK-based maritime security company, highlighted the operational threat to commercial shipping, noting that direct targeting of merchant vessels has become "an established feature of the conflict." The company predicted continued strikes, especially with calmer sea conditions during summer, which historically facilitate unmanned-system activity.
Turkish Reporting
Turkish authorities confirmed the attack on a Turkish-owned dry cargo vessel on May 28, with two injuries reported. The attack's circumstances and attribution were not independently verified by other outlets at the time of reporting.