Turkey to Lead Black Sea Security | Post-War Guarantees

Türkiye Signals Readiness to Lead Black Sea Security Efforts

ANKARA — Türkiye is prepared to take a leading role in Black Sea maritime security as part of potential post-war guarantees, Turkish diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

The statement comes after the Nov. 28 attack on the commercial vessel MIDVOLGA-2 in international waters. Ankara has warned against the conflict expanding toward its coasts and stressed it will not allow Black Sea security to be threatened by any actor.

Sources emphasized that only Russia and Ukraine can decide on a future peace agreement, while Türkiye continues to support negotiations and maintains dialogue with both sides. Since 2022, Ankara has played key roles in initiatives such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and prisoner exchanges.

Türkiye is also ready, in principle, to assume responsibilities in post-war maritime security arrangements together with partners.

Officials highlighted Türkiye's significant role in European defense as NATO's second-largest army and a major defense exporter, noting that excluding Türkiye from EU defense efforts would not align with Europe's interests.

Türkiye has supported Ukraine's territorial integrity since the 2014 annexation of Crimea.