Turkey is ready to lead the maritime component of the security guarantees for Ukraine
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that Ankara is prepared to lead the maritime component of future international security guarantees for Ukraine. He made this announcement during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in Kyiv.
According to Fidan, one of the key elements of a possible peace agreement is security guarantees for Ukraine, which include land, maritime and air components.
“Turkey has agreed to lead the maritime component. We have reached a mutual understanding with our allies on this issue. Planning in this regard is already being carried out by the naval forces of the relevant allied states,” said the minister.
Hakan Fidan also emphasised that maintaining peace in the Black Sea is a necessary and vital condition. He said that Turkey continues to promote initiatives aimed at ensuring the security of shipping and energy infrastructure in the Black Sea.
The head of the Turkish Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Ankara’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its position on not recognising the illegal annexation of Crimea. He added that Turkey would continue to support the Crimean Tatars and defend their rights.
Fidan also stated that Turkey advocates the swiftest possible return of Ukraine and Russia to the negotiation process.
“We do not want the conflict to spread and we are keen to see the Russian-Ukrainian war return to the negotiating table. Turkey is ready to make any contribution to the resumption of the talks that previously took place in Istanbul. From the very start of the war, we have supported dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine. At the same time, we have been providing Ukraine with economic and military support since the start of the war,” he said.
