Ankara warned Moscow and Kyiv about the consequences of further strikes on the merchant fleet

Turkey has warned Russia and Ukraine of potential legal action in the event of further attacks on civilian cargo ships and tankers in the Black Sea. This was stated by the country’s Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler.

Ankara is concerned about the increasing number of attacks on merchant vessels. The head of the defense ministry has urged the parties to the conflict to observe maritime safety rules and to refrain from further strikes against the civilian fleet.

Güler emphasized that Turkey intends to defend its legitimate interests should any vessels belonging to the republic, or sailing under its flag, come under attack. He noted that the Turkish Ministry of Defense is closely monitoring the situation in the Black Sea.

The minister also stated that Ankara has issued formal warnings to both Moscow and Kyiv on several occasions. Turkish authorities are demanding that civilian shipping routes be kept clear of combat zones and that attacks on commercial maritime transport be brought to an end.

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Source of information: Global News Agencies including REUTERS / TASS / AFP / ANADOLU / INT.RU / Al Jazeera / CNN