Turkey pushes NATO to act after Black Sea tanker strikes

Thursday, December 4, 2025 -The Black Sea has become a flashpoint of maritime tension. After recent drone and vessel attacks on ships linked to Russia — including within Turkish waters — Türkiye has formally brought the issue to NATO’s attention. 

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on December 3, 2025, to press for renewed focus on regional maritime security and immediate action to prevent further escalation.

Ankara — which maintains working relations with both Russia and Ukraine — condemned the attacks, calling them a dangerous escalation that threatens navigation, commerce, and lives in the region. 

Already, the incidents have pushed up shipping insurance rates for Black Sea routes and prompted at least one Turkish shipping company to suspend Russia‑related operations citing security concerns.

Turkey also reiterated willingness to lead regional cooperation on Black Sea safety, alongside neighboring littoral states. Officials from Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania plan to coordinate on securing sea routes, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring naval security. 

The aim is to prevent war‑spillover into commercial maritime activity and safeguard civilian shipping and economic interests — a message now being amplified via NATO channels.