Turkey's foreign minister has called for an immediate moratorium on attacks by Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, where a series of strikes on civilian ships have escalated tensions. Hakan Fidan proposed the establishment of a mechanism to enforce a moratorium during an interview with the Turkish state news agency Anadolu, emphasizing the need to protect civilian maritime traffic.
Escalating Conflict in the Black Sea
Fidan pointed out that the conflict, which initially targeted ports and military ships, has now spread to include all commercial shipping without discrimination. This alarming development has put civilian vessels, including those from Turkey, at significant risk.
Impact on Civilian Shipping
The foreign minister noted that ships flying the Turkish flag have also been targeted, leading to injuries among crew members. Turkey has previously condemned drone attacks on its civilian vessels, which occurred despite the ships' non-military status.
International Call for Safety
Fidan's call for a moratorium is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of maritime routes in the Black Sea. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the potential for further attacks and the impact on global trade.
