Türkiye warns Russia against actions that could destabilise Black Sea

Türkiye warns Russia against actions that could destabilise Black Sea
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends a press conference following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia,16 June 2026
Reuters
By Chigozie Ohaka , Reuters
June 16, 2026 16:28
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Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned against actions in the Black Sea that could threaten regional stability, saying he raised the issue directly with Russia during talks in Moscow.

Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, Fidan said he had stressed the need to avoid incidents that could harm Türkiye’s interests, particularly following recent tensions involving maritime traffic.

“I conveyed to my counterpart our expectation to avoid any incidents that can harm our country’s interests in the Black Sea,” Hakan Fidan said.

Rising tensions at sea

In recent months, Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of carrying out drone attacks on vessels near Türkiye’s northern coast. One such incident involved a Turkish-owned tanker, prompting Ankara to lodge protests with both sides.

Fidan said discussions with Lavrov included possible steps to improve navigational safety and reduce the risk of further escalation in the region.

He also reiterated Türkiye’s opposition to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, calling for restraint as the conflict continues.

Mediation offer remains on the table

Türkiye renewed its offer to host negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, positioning itself once again as a potential mediator in the conflict.

“I conveyed our readiness to host the next rounds of talks once again,” Hakan Fidan said. “If the sides agree, we are ready to also discuss how the negotiations can continue in a more result-oriented way.”

Ankara previously hosted direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in the early stages of the war and has since maintained communication channels with both sides.

Push for renewed dialogue

Türkiye has consistently called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, urging both countries to return to negotiations and bring the war to an end.

Ukraine formally asked Ankara in April to help facilitate a leaders-level meeting, reflecting Türkiye’s continued role as a potential broker.

Balancing ties with both sides

Despite being a NATO member, Türkiye has maintained working relations with both Russia and Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The country is set to host a NATO summit in July, further underlining its role at the centre of regional and international security discussions.

Fidan said Türkiye’s priority remains clear: reducing tensions in the Black Sea and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

Türkiye’s position reflects its broader strategic interest in maintaining stability in the Black Sea - a vital route for trade and energy - while balancing its relationships with both Russia and its Western allies.

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