Russian forces launched a series of drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure in Chornomorsk and Odesa on Friday, December 12, 2025, and Saturday, December 13, 2025, resulting in damage to three Turkish-owned commercial vessels. These attacks transpired mere hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had presented a proposal for a limited ceasefire to Russian President Vladimir Putin, specifically targeting energy and port facilities.
Details of the Maritime Attacks
The initial wave of strikes on Friday, December 12, impacted two key Ukrainian ports. One of the vessels damaged was the 'Cenk T', a passenger-cargo ferry operated by the Turkish company Cenk Ro-Ro (also referred to as Cenk Shipping). The 'Cenk T', which regularly operates between Türkiye's Karasu and Ukraine's Odesa, was reportedly hit by a missile shortly after docking at the Chornomorsk port. The strike caused a fire on board, which was subsequently contained by tugboats, port firefighting teams, and the crew. At the time of the incident, the 'Cenk T' was carrying a cargo of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a civilian vessel in Chornomorsk port had been damaged.
On Saturday, December 13, a separate drone strike targeted another Turkish civilian vessel, the 'VIVA', in Ukraine's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The 'VIVA' was en route to Egypt, transporting sunflower oil. Ukraine's navy reported that none of the 11 crew members on board were wounded, and the ship was able to continue its journey. Overall, Ukraine's navy spokesperson indicated that three Turkish-owned vessels were damaged across the two days of attacks. In Odesa, one civilian was reported injured due to damage to port infrastructure.
Diplomatic Context and International Reactions
The strikes occurred just hours after President Erdogan had engaged in face-to-face discussions with President Putin, where he advocated for a 'limited ceasefire' concerning attacks on ports and energy facilities. This proposal aimed to de-escalate tensions and ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea. However, the subsequent Russian attacks were widely interpreted as a direct rejection of these diplomatic overtures.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that they constituted a 'direct challenge by Russia to the whole world' and were a strike against global food security. He emphasized that Russia was not taking diplomatic opportunities seriously and was continuing its war 'aimed precisely at destroying normal life in Ukraine'. Turkey's Foreign Ministry also expressed concern, reiterating the importance of ending the conflict and preventing further escalation in the Black Sea to ensure maritime safety.
Implications for Black Sea Security
The targeting of neutral, Turkish-owned commercial vessels marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, directly threatening international maritime commerce and challenging Turkey's role as a Black Sea power. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation in the Black Sea, a critical artery for global commodity exports, particularly grain and other foodstuffs from Ukraine. The attacks risk drawing NATO member Turkey deeper into the conflict and further destabilizing the region.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
Another blatant act of aggression. The world needs to stand firm against this.
Leonardo
This incident underscores the complex web of geopolitical interests in the Black Sea, where even 'neutral' actors like Turkey find their assets caught in the crossfire. Finding a path to peace that satisfies all parties remains incredibly challenging.
Habibi
Western media always paints Russia as the sole aggressor. There's always another side.
ZmeeLove
Erdogan's 'ceasefire' was likely just a ploy. Russia knows their game.
Coccinella
Erdogan's peace proposal was a noble gesture, but Russia's swift response demonstrates the deep-seated mistrust and strategic imperatives driving this war. True de-escalation seems a distant prospect.