Turkey calls for moratorium on strikes against vessels in the Black Sea

Turkey has called on Ukraine and Russia to establish a mechanism for a moratorium on mutual strikes against vessels in the Black Sea. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made the proposal in an interview with Anadolu Agency.

According to Fidan, the Black Sea has become one of the areas where hostilities are increasingly spreading. “Unfortunately, our warnings are coming true… The war has spread to the Black Sea. Initially, military ports and vessels were targeted, but now merchant ships are being attacked indiscriminately,” he said.

Fidan noted that Turkish vessels have also been affected, including ships owned by Turkish companies, sailing under the Turkish flag or carrying Turkish crews. According to the minister, Ankara has already prepared several measures in response to the situation and has begun implementing them.

Turkey has proposed that Ukraine and Russia establish a mechanism providing for a moratorium on attacks against vessels in the Black Sea. Fidan said the proposal had already been presented to Ukraine and subsequently conveyed to Russia, with Ankara now awaiting Moscow’s response.

Commenting on prospects for ending the war, Fidan said the parties remain reluctant to make significant concessions while they retain the capacity to continue military operations. He warned that further expansion of the conflict increases the risk of a more serious escalation and said the international community should step up efforts to halt hostilities and bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

Tags: Russia, Turkey, Black Sea region, war, Ukraine