Turkish Ship Crew Files ICC Complaint Against Ukraine

Crew members of the Turkish cargo ship Reyhan Sari, the vessel's owner, and the family of a deceased sailor have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court against Ukraine. The legal action seeks an investigation into a July 22 drone attack that killed one sailor and injured two others while the ship transported cargo from a Russian Black Sea port.

Lawyer Nuri Koray Kurun stated that technical analysis of official social media footage confirms the Reyhan Sari was the target. He linked the strike to a broader Ukrainian campaign intended to disrupt Russian logistics and the so-called shadow fleet. Ukraine became a full member of the ICC on January 1, 2025.

This complaint follows a formal protest by the Government of Türkiye, which summoned the Ukrainian ambassador. Similar diplomatic tensions occurred with India after drones targeted the vessel Omorfi. The plaintiffs are asking the court to investigate the attack as a possible crime against humanity.