Turkiye has expressed growing concerns over the rising attacks on vessels in the Black Sea, including Turkish-owned ships, warning that the escalating violence could destabilize maritime security in the region. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has proposed a new, limited agreement between Russia and Ukraine to halt these attacks and ensure the safety of Black Sea shipping routes.
The latest incident occurred on Friday when a Turkish-owned cargo ship was struck by Russian forces in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The attack, suspected to be a missile strike, damaged the vessel at Ukraine's Chornomorsk port but resulted in no injuries, according to the ship's operator. This follows a series of attacks since November, with at least three vessels targeted near Turkish waters by Ukrainian forces, allegedly targeting a “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used by Russia to evade Western sanctions.
Speaking to Turkish broadcaster TVNET on Saturday, Fidan stressed that Türkiye had long warned about the conflict’s potential to spill over into wider regional instability. "Such incidents tend to occur toward the end of conflicts, when all parties escalate tensions and attack multiple fronts," he said. Fidan also referenced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent calls for a "dignified" peace, as he met with U.S. and European leaders in Berlin to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
Fidan pointed out that both sides were increasingly targeting energy infrastructure, with retaliatory strikes disrupting vital Black Sea trade. "Turkish-owned ships and crew are now at risk, but fortunately, no Turkish nationals have been harmed so far," he noted.
The Turkish Foreign Minister revealed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week during a meeting in Turkmenistan. "This situation is a source of concern for us. We are proposing two avenues: if a comprehensive ceasefire and peace agreement are not feasible, we urge a limited agreement to stop attacks on energy infrastructure and ensure maritime security in the Black Sea," Fidan said. He recalled the previous success of the Black Sea grain deal, which temporarily ensured safe passage for ships despite the ongoing conflict.
Türkiye has played a key role in the now-suspended Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukrainian grain shipments to continue despite Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports. Ankara has been actively working to revive the agreement, which Moscow withdrew from, citing Western interference in its own grain and fertilizer exports.
President Erdoğan, returning from Turkmenistan, echoed Fidan’s optimism, stating that peace in the Russia-Ukraine war was within reach. He emphasized that the Black Sea should not be used as a “battlefield,” underscoring that safe navigation was essential for both Russia and Ukraine. "This will not benefit either side; everyone needs safe passage through the Black Sea," Erdoğan said.
The Turkish leadership has maintained a delicate balance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, working to preserve ties with both Moscow and Kyiv while positioning itself as a mediator. Türkiye controls the Bosporus Strait, a crucial passage for transporting Ukrainian grain and Russian oil to the Mediterranean.
Fidan also addressed ongoing discussions with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff about the conflict's resolution. He highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s Donbas region in any peace deal and noted the complexity of issues like the fate of frozen Russian assets. "Any agreement will likely involve a referendum in Ukraine, particularly regarding Donbas, as some issues cannot be resolved without it," he added.
The foreign minister also discussed Türkiye’s role in the Middle East, particularly its concerns regarding the YPG, the Syrian wing of the PKK, and its alleged support from Israel. Fidan warned that the U.S.-backed group must integrate into Syria’s army to ensure stability in the region. "The YPG cannot continue to exist under the guise of fighting Daesh; it’s about Syria’s and Türkiye’s security," he stated.
Additionally, Fidan provided an update on Turkey-U.S. relations, specifically the issue of sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). He expressed optimism that these sanctions, which have impacted Türkiye’s defense industry, could be lifted by 2026, enhancing Türkiye’s self-sufficiency in defense production.
Fidan concluded by stressing the importance of removing sanction barriers in both the U.S. and Europe to allow for more robust defense industry collaboration and global relations.
Source: Daily Sabah
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
