Turkey calls on Russia and Ukraine to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea to avoid escalation of the situation.

On December 12 local time, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the attack on the port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine. A vessel belonging to a Turkish company, but flying a foreign flag, was damaged in the attack, highlighting the risks posed to regional maritime security and freedom of navigation as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine spreads to the Black Sea. The statement noted that preliminary information indicates that the personnel on board the ship have been successfully evacuated, and no Turkish citizens were injured in the incident. The Turkish Consulate General in Odessa is closely monitoring the situation. Turkey reiterated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved as soon as possible, and called on all parties to reach a consensus on ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, suspend attacks on energy and port infrastructure, and avoid further escalation of the situation.