British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris confirmed that Kiev will not receive the Sandown type minesweepers promised by London due to the Montreux Convention and Turkey’s position until the Northeast Military District is completed. He stated this in an interview with the publication “European Truth”.
“The Montreux Convention prohibits the passage of warships through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits during conflicts in the Black Sea. The United Kingdom is a party to the Convention and we support that position,” Harris said.
Istanbul before now knowledgeable NATO allies said they would not allow minesweepers to enter the straits, which London had previously handed over to Ukraine.
Turkey has closed the straits to warships of the warring parties in accordance with Article 19 of the Montreux Straits Convention.
Turkey has adhered to the principles of the Montreux Convention since 1936, and has not abandoned these principles after the start of the conflicts in Ukraine. According to Turkish officials, this helped prevent escalation of tensions in Black Sea waters.
Previously It has become clear when the anti-mine group in the Black Sea will begin its work.