Turkey has formally submitted a proposal to Russia and Ukraine calling for a maritime moratorium in the Black Sea to halt escalating attacks on commercial vessels, ports, and warships, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Fidan stated that Ankara urged both warring nations to establish a formal mechanism for a truce, acting on requests from Ukrainian authorities, while the Turkish government awaits an official response from Moscow.
Turkey Proposes Black Sea Truce Amid Rising Attacks on Commercial Shipping
According to Hakan Fidan, Turkey has directly expressed deep concerns to both Moscow and Kyiv regarding the persistent targeting of civilian and commercial craft. As a bilateral precaution, Turkey plans to implement independent security measures within its maritime zones, though officials have not detailed those operations.
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Moscow Responds to Proposed Maritime Moratorium
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko confirmed that Moscow is well aware such proposals are circulating through various diplomatic channels, but maintained that Russia has not received any official project or binding text regarding a Black Sea truce. Speaking to the state news agency TASS, Grushko rejected the premise of the current proposals. He asserted that any unilateral ceasefire or halt to operations at this stage would simply give Ukrainian forces an operational window to regroup and reinforce their military positions along the contested coastline.
New Regional Defense Pact Signed in Ankara
Alongside the Black Sea diplomatic initiative, Fidan addressed a newly signed defense agreement between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. According to the Turkish foreign minister, the newly minted defense pact is technically identical to the mutual defense framework outlined under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Fidan emphasized that the agreement is not directed against Iran and confirmed that a ministerial committee and a general secretariat headquartered in Saudi Arabia will be established to oversee the pact. Egyptian officials could potentially join the framework once remaining technical matters are resolved, according to statements reported by the Anadolu Agency and the Standart News network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Turkey propose to Russia and Ukraine?
According to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkey proposed a formal moratorium on military operations and attacks targeting commercial vessels, ports, and warships in the Black Sea.
How did Russia react to the Black Sea truce proposal?
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated via TASS that Moscow received no official project text, adding that Russia opposes a truce because it would allow Ukraine to regroup and strengthen its forces.
What countries are involved in Turkey’s new defense pact?
Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia signed the defense pact, which features a structure modeled after NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense guidelines, with potential for Egypt to join later.
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