Türkiye expressed concern to Russia and Ukraine over attacks on ships in the Black Sea

Turkey sent Moscow and Kyiv its concerns regarding the increasing frequency of attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, which it views as an escalation and geographical expansion of the conflict. According to Reuters, Foreign Minister of the Republic Hakan Fidan stated this while speaking at a forum in Doha.

“We discussed this topic with our Ukrainian friends. But not only with them – we also had contacts with the Russian side (Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not violate international law in the Black Sea – note “MK”). This is a very sensitive issue for us. We do not want attacks on shipping,” the head of Turkish diplomacy emphasized. He added that Ankara had warned about this risk from the very beginning, as attacks on trade routes and tankers would lead to a dangerous escalation.

Earlier, the Charge d’Affaires of Russia in Turkey, Alexey Ivanov, was summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry to discuss the situation after the recent incidents. It is reported that similar consultations were held with the Ukrainian Ambassador in Ankara.

In the last two weeks, at least three tankers have come under attack in the Black Sea, including the Kairos and Virat ships off the coast of Turkey, as well as the Russian Midvolga-2. Ukrainian security forces have claimed responsibility for some of these strikes. The Turkish side stated that such actions pose a threat to human life, shipping and the environment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously called such attacks acts of piracy because they occur in the economic zone of third countries. Ankara, while remaining a key mediator in the negotiations, seeks to prevent further destabilization of the region, on the security of which its interests directly depend.

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