Türkiye refuses to let through mine sweepers donated to Ukraine to avoid “escalation in the Black Sea”

Türkiye will not allow two minehunters gifted by the United Kingdom to Ukraine to enter the Black Sea. 

The country cites a convention that mandates straits controlled by it to be closed to warships of warring parties, Rubryka reports, referring to the Turkish Center for Combating Disinformation.

When Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Türkiye invoked the Montreux Convention of 1936, which essentially blocked the passage of military ships for the belligerent parties.

However, the convention's provisions include exceptions for ships returning to their bases, the statement said.

The institution stated that Türkiye classified the so-called "special military operation" by the Russian Federation against Ukraine as a war. Therefore, it closed the straits in the Black Sea for military ships from Russia and Ukraine. Türkiye did this in accordance with Article 19 of the Montreux Convention on the regime of the straits.

As highlighted by the Turkish Center for Combating Disinformation, allies were also informed that ships could not pass through the straits until the end of the war.

"Türkiye, which has impartially and diligently adhered to the Montreux Convention since 1936, maintains its unwavering determination and principled stance during this war to prevent an escalation of tension in the Black Sea," said the institution's statement.

What we know about the transfer of ships to Ukraine

As part of the new maritime coalition, the United Kingdom is transferring two Royal Navy ships to Ukraine. These are the ships "Chernihiv" and "Cherkasy," named after the similarly named Ukrainian minesweepers lost during the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014.

"These minesweepers will provide Ukraine with vital capabilities to save lives at sea and open essential export routes that were significantly restricted since the start of the full-scale invasion," said UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

The initiative will be part of the series of coalitions formed among NATO members to provide long-term military support to Ukraine.

Additionally, Ukraine is set to receive 20 Viking amphibious armored vehicles and 23 speedboats.

Rubryka previously reported that Ukrainian military sailors participated in the international Joint Warrior exercises held in the waters of the United Kingdom, operating on the naval minesweepers "Cherkasy" and "Chernihiv."

Ukrainian ships still sail under the flag of the United Kingdom, although they bear the symbols of the Ukrainian Navy.

The absence of the Ukrainian flag on the vessels may be explained by their still being part of the British fleet despite being transferred to Ukraine. This could be due to the ships being based in British ports and, thus, operationally subordinate to the local admiralty.