Turkey's Diplomatic Efforts for Black Sea Security Following Attacks on Russian Vessels

Turkey has formally declared the attacks on shipping vessels in the Black Sea as unacceptable.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in discussions regarding Black Sea security measures with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry source. This meeting follows Ankara's expressed concern about attacks on Russia-linked tankers, some of which Ukraine has claimed responsibility for.

As a NATO member maintaining cordial relations with both parties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Turkey has condemned the attacks on vessels connected to Moscow that occurred within Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.

These incidents have resulted in higher shipping insurance rates across the Black Sea and prompted Turkish company Besiktas Shipping to suspend all Russia-related operations due to security concerns.

Ukraine, which has been targeting Russian oil exports in response to Moscow's bombardment of Ukrainian power infrastructure, has acknowledged responsibility for an attack using seaborne drones on two empty tankers that were heading toward a Russian port last week.

Kyiv has denied involvement in another incident on Tuesday where a Russian-flagged tanker carrying sunflower oil reported coming under drone attack off the Turkish coast. In a separate incident beyond the Black Sea region, a Besiktas Shipping tanker that conducted business with Russia was damaged near Senegal by external impacts, though no entity has claimed responsibility.

Fidan and Rutte, meeting on the sidelines of a NATO gathering in Brussels, discussed matters concerning Black Sea security and negotiations to end the nearly four-year conflict, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry source, who provided no additional details.

Turkey has described the attacks on shipping as unacceptable and has warned "all parties" to cease such actions. A Turkish official clarified that this warning specifically includes Ukrainian authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to these developments with threats to cut off Ukraine's access to the sea and intensify strikes on Ukrainian facilities and vessels. He also warned of potential actions against tankers from countries supporting Ukraine.

Ayhan Zeytinoglu, chair of Turkey's Economic Development Foundation, stated during a forum in Istanbul on Wednesday that targeting merchant ships in Turkey's exclusive economic zone represents "a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine." The forum was co-hosted by the Polish embassy and consulate.

In a separate development, President Tayyip Erdogan informed French President Emmanuel Macron during a call that Turkey was working to revive Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks in Istanbul, according to a statement from Erdogan's office.