Turkey urges Russia, Ukraine to halt Black Sea strikes

Turkey has called for a temporary halt to attacks by Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea following a series of strikes on civilian vessels in the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday urged the establishment of a mechanism that would allow a “moratorium” on attacks in the Black Sea.

“The conflict has spread across the whole Black Sea,” Fidan told Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency.

He said the attacks had initially targeted ports and military vessels but had now expanded to commercial shipping.

“To begin with, they targeted the ports and the military ships. Now, they are attacking all commercial shipping without distinction,” Fidan said.

According to the Turkish foreign minister, vessels owned by Turkey or sailing under the Turkish flag have also been targeted.

Turkey on Tuesday condemned drone attacks on two Turkish civilian vessels in the Black Sea a day earlier. Several crew members were injured in the attacks.

Fidan’s call comes amid growing concerns over the expansion of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a major maritime route used by commercial vessels and regional trade.