Details of the Attacks

The strikes occurred on Friday, 12 December 2025, targeting Ukraine’s key economic artery in the Odesa region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attacks as having “no military purpose whatsoever”, condemning Russia for targeting civilian infrastructure.

One of the ships, identified as the Panama-flagged, Turkish-owned Cenk T, was hit at Chornomorsk port. The vessel’s owners, Cenk Shipping, reported no casualties among the crew, and damages were limited.

In Odesa, another attack injured a private company employee and damaged a cargo loader. Ukrainian authorities said Russia used drones and ballistic missiles, specifically targeting civilian logistics and commercial shipping.

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Turkish Response

Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the Cenk T was attacked but reported no Turkish citizen casualties. The ministry warned the strikes threaten maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and called for an arrangement to suspend attacks on ports and energy infrastructure to prevent further escalation.

Earlier on Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, advocating for calm in the Black Sea and suggesting a limited ceasefire for ports and energy facilities.

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Context and Implications

The attacks follow Russian threats to cut Ukraine off from the sea in retaliation for Kyiv’s strikes on Moscow’s “shadow fleet” – unmarked tankers reportedly used to bypass oil sanctions. Ukraine has also expanded operations to the Caspian Sea, targeting Russian oil revenue sources.

Ukraine’s Black Sea ports remain critical for the country’s economy, especially for food and industrial exports. The attacks underscore rising regional tensions in the Black Sea, drawing international attention to potential risks for maritime trade and security.