Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that no warships had crossed the Bosphorus since the start of the war in Ukraine, adding that under the Montreux Convention, his country had informed all countries that it did not allow warships through the Strait. This was reported by the Anatolian News Agency.
Commenting on the NATO meeting at the German air base Rammstein, the Minister noted that Turkey is following the events in Ukraine with concern and stressed the need for dialogue and restraint.
“We need to find a way to diplomacy through a moderate approach. We believe this will make it easier for us to find peaceful solutions,” he said.
According to Akar, a meeting between the two leaders in the conflict, Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky, is possible in the coming days, as suggested by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“Turkey is ready to make every possible contribution, including mediation, to ensure a ceasefire as soon as possible and to prevent a further deterioration of the deteriorating humanitarian situation,” Akar said.
The minister warned that “very serious consequences” are possible if the Black Sea becomes a zone of rivalry, which, according to him, cannot be allowed under any circumstances.
He also raised the issue of the danger of floating mines in the Black Sea, noting that there is speculation about their number. Akar noted that three mines have so far been destroyed in a controlled manner, and Turkish ships, helicopters, planes and teams of the Underwater Defense Forces (SAS) are monitoring the sea for possible explosive devices.
“We are closely monitoring the Bosphorus, controlling entrances and exits, and taking additional measures to ensure that we are not caught unawares,” he said. The minister added that Turkey not only has the capacity to meet its own needs, but has also told its allies that it is ready to help them fight mines.