Türkiye’s Fidan: Black Sea attacks threaten regional security

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that recent attacks on Russia-linked tankers in the Black Sea endanger regional safety and commerce, highlighting the expanding reach of the war in Ukraine.

He made the comment on Wednesday (3 December) in Brussels at the NATO HQ where foreign ministers were meeting.

Speaking on the issue, Fidan said the strikes within Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone are endangering maritime navigation and affecting commerce. He added that Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria, all Black Sea littoral states, are exploring measures to strengthen security.

Some of the attacks have been attributed to Ukraine, he noted, and he discussed the situation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as his counterparts from Bulgaria and Romania in Brussels.

The attacks have pushed up shipping insurance rates in the Black Sea, and Beşiktaş Shipping, a Turkish company, has suspended Russia-related operations over safety concerns.

Tags