Brussels: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned of the escalating Russian-Ukrainian conflict following recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Speaking to reporters during a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, Fidan emphasized the alarming nature of the situation and the threats it poses to the safety of navigation and trade in the region. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Fidan highlighted the transformation of the Black Sea into a closed zone for trade and passenger traffic due to the ongoing conflict. He stated that Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania have formed a special working group to address the issue of sea mines that have washed ashore. The Turkish Navy has already begun operations to tackle this problem. Fidan noted that while Turkey has access to warm-water international waters, Romania and Bulgaria face more significant challenges due to their limited access to the Black Sea. He underscored Turkey's responsibility as the country with the longest Black Sea coastline and affirmed its commitment to addressing the issues in the region. Fidan also pointed out the economic implications of the conflict on the Black Sea, including navigational safety, energy exploration, and other vital activities. He expressed concerns about the inability to capitalize on economic opportunities due to the wartime conditions affecting the region. Earlier, Fidan met with his Bulgarian and Romanian counterparts during the NATO foreign ministers' meeting to discuss these concerns. Turkish authorities reported an attack on the vessel "Medvolga 2" in the Black Sea by a drone, which caused minor damage. This incident followed another attack in late November targeting ships "Kairos" and "Firat" as they traveled from Egypt to Russia.