Ankara: Turkish sources confirm that Ankara is discussing with Russia and Ukraine a mechanism to prevent attacks on ships in the Black Sea.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkish official sources confirmed that Ankara is holding talks with Russia and Ukraine regarding the possibility of establishing a mechanism to prevent attacks on ships in the Black Sea. Turkish newspapers quoted these sources as saying that Ankara discussed with Moscow and Kyiv, behind closed doors, ways to create a joint mechanism aimed at preventing attacks on ships in the Black Sea and establishing parameters for such a mechanism. However, at this stage, specific details and final conditions have not yet been determined.

Attacks by Ukrainian forces on civilian infrastructure at sea, as well as on civilian vessels, have recently increased. Last July, a Ukrainian drone targeted the Turkish cargo ship “Reyhan Sari” in the Black Sea, killing one sailor and injuring three others. Last Friday, the Turkish cargo ship “Glk” was attacked by a Ukrainian drone off the coast of Novorossiysk.

Meanwhile, a Turkish source announced that communication between Ankara and Moscow regarding the situation in Ukraine is ongoing at various levels, including through what is known as telephone diplomacy. The two sides maintain direct communication channels and use them when necessary to exchange views and discuss pressing issues.

The source emphasized that Ankara “does not permit warships to pass through the Turkish Straits. Ankara closely monitors compliance with the Montreux Convention and does not allow any circumvention of it. Turkey continues its strict adherence to international obligations governing the passage of warships through the straits.”

The pro-government newspaper “Trkiye” reported that Ankara is under pressure from several NATO member states to allow warships free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits amidst ongoing tensions in the Black Sea. The newspaper indicated that the issue of warship passage has become more urgent due to the situation surrounding the Ukrainian conflict and the risks it poses to maritime navigation.