The Turkish Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler, on Wednesday issued a strong warning about further attacks from Russia and Ukraine on commercial ships in the Black Sea and stated that Ankara reserves its legal right to take legal action in this matter. These remarks represent Turkey's clearest intervention in this crisis to date.
Emphasis on Good Relations with Moscow and Kyiv
Turkey, as a NATO member, has maintained good relations with both countries since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has repeatedly urged both sides to cease attacks in the Black Sea. These attacks have also harmed Turkish-flagged and Turkish-owned commercial ships.
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Ankara is awaiting a response to a proposal it made to halt the escalating attacks and ensure the safe shipment of grain from the region to Russia and Ukraine. Güler, speaking in Sofia after a security meeting with defense ministers and military officials from Black Sea coastal countries, including Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, stated that commercial ships in the Black Sea have been affected by drone attacks, drifting mines, and missiles during this conflict.
Concerns About Attacks on Commercial Ships
The Turkish Defense Minister expressed concern over the increasing attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, urging both parties to act rationally and based on the principle of maritime safety in open seas. He also reported that one commercial ship was targeted by three drones in the maritime area under Bulgarian jurisdiction on Wednesday.
Güler emphasized that Ankara reserves all its legal rights regarding attacks on Turkish-flagged or Turkish-owned ships and is closely monitoring developments. He added: "Necessary warnings are continuously conveyed to both sides to keep commercial navigation away from the conflict zone and to immediately halt attacks on civilian ships."
Since July, Ukraine has increased its attacks on ships and infrastructure related to Russian oil and grain exports, while Russia has also intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's main grain export centers in Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.
In a meeting held in late September, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, told his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, that the attacks from Russia and Ukraine on commercial ships in the Black Sea are unjustifiable and that actions must be taken to stop them.
Güler also noted that Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, which are conducting mine clearance operations in the Black Sea, have agreed that maintaining vital underwater infrastructure is also of high importance.
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