Türkiye warns both Ukraine and Russia of legal consequences for Black Sea attacks
Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler (photo: Getty Images)
Türkiye has renewed its proposal to Ukraine and Russia to halt attacks in the Black Sea. However, for the first time, Ankara has threatened to take "legal action" if vessels linked to Türkiye are targeted, according to Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.
Türkiye issues warning
Güler warned Russia and Ukraine against further attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The Turkish minister said Ankara reserved the right to take legal action in response. This is Türkiye's most direct intervention to date, the publication reports.
Türkiye has repeatedly called on both sides to halt attacks in the Black Sea, as commercial vessels flying the Turkish flag and ships owned by Türkiye have both been targeted.
Ankara says it is awaiting responses to a proposal it has submitted to Russia and Ukraine. The proposal aims to stop the escalation of attacks and ensure the safe shipment of grain from the region.
"We follow with concern the intense attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and call on the sides to act with common sense, in line with the principle of navigational safety in open seas," the minister said.
Güler also said Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria, which are conducting a mine-clearing operation in the Black Sea, agreed on the importance of protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
Assault against vessel near Bulgaria
Minister Güler noted that earlier on October 28, another commercial vessel was attacked by three drones within Bulgaria's maritime jurisdiction.
The outlet reports that it remains unclear who attacked the Greek-managed container ship sailing under the Liberian flag.
As previously reported, all 18 crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged container ship CONTSHIP JET were rescued after the vessel was attacked by three drones in the Black Sea.
The media also previously reported that a merchant vessel struck by a drone sank off the coast of Romania on the morning of October 23. There were 13 crew members aboard.
