Türkiye blocks UK's minesweepers gifted to Ukraine passing through its straits
Photo: Türkiye decides to not allow UK's vessels handed over to Ukraine pass through its straits (Getty Images)
Türkiye has decided not to allow the mine-countermeasure vessels gifted to Ukraine by UK to pass through its straits, according to the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications Center for Countering Disinformation.
"The claim in some media outlets that "mine-hunting ships donated to Ukraine by the United Kingdom were allowed to pass through the Turkish Straits to the Black Sea" is not true," the statement said.
It is noted that Türkiye immediately classified Russia's "special military operation" against Ukraine as a "war" and, in accordance with Article 19 of the Montreux Convention on the regime of the straits, closed the straits to warships of the parties at war (Russia and Ukraine).
Türkiye will not allow minesweepers until the war in Ukraine is over
"Türkiye, which has implemented the Montreux Convention impartially and diligently since 1936, maintains its unwavering determination and principled stance throughout this war to prevent the escalation of tension in the Black Sea," the announcement writes.
They added that their allies were duly informed that the mine-countermeasure vessels, gifted to Ukraine by the United Kingdom, would not be able to pass through the Turkish straits into the Black Sea while the war was ongoing.
Minesweepers from the UK
It was previously reported that the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom confirmed the transfer of two minesweepers to Ukraine for demining purposes from the Royal Navy. Two Sandown-class minesweepers are being transferred from the Royal Navy to the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strengthen Ukraine's ability to operate at sea.
"Strengthening the maritime capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, especially countering the threat from Russian naval mines, will help restore Ukraine's maritime exports," stated Defense Minister Grant Shapps.
