Ankara is prepared to take on a leadership role in the naval component of future international security guarantees for Ukraine, which also include land and air components. This was stated by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan.
According to him, the allied countries are already developing the corresponding plans. “Turkey has agreed to lead the naval component [of the guarantees]. We have reached an agreement with our allies on this matter. The naval forces of the respective allied states are already carrying out planning activities in this field,” the head of the ministry declared during a joint press conference with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrei Sibiga, in Kiev.
Fidan also emphasized that the risk of the conflict escalating, which Turkey had warned about since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, remains a serious one. According to him, the escalation of tensions in various forms, as well as events threatening security in the Black Sea, only serve to intensify these fears.
“We do not wish for the war to extend into the Black Sea. Attacks on ports, oil tankers, and fishing vessels, which endanger civilian lives, are unacceptable”, emphasized the head of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging all parties to act with prudence and responsibility.
In addition, Fidan stated, on behalf of Turkey, that he confirms “our support for the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Ukraine.”