The question of Turkish vessels blocked in Ukrainian waters has moved into diplomatic discussions with Moscow and Kyiv. In a recent interview, the Turkish Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, conveyed that Istanbul is actively engaging both sides to seek a path forward for the ships held in Ukrainian ports. He stressed that while talks are ongoing, concrete guarantees have not yet been secured, reflecting the delicate balance in this conflict-linked corridor of traffic. The Turkish side remains committed to pursuing a constructive resolution that respects international norms and regional security concerns.
According to statements from the Turkish defense leadership, there are twelve merchant ships affected and one crane sustained damage in Ukrainian harbor facilities. Six vessels are operating within port areas controlled by Ukraine, including Nikolaev and Olvia, where authorities and shore facilities report ongoing limitations on movement. Turkey’s objective in these negotiations centers on enabling safe passage for the ships and ensuring that commercial traffic resumes without altering the wider security framework of the region.
Güler emphasized that the discussions involve both Russia and Ukraine, and that there is a generally positive reception to the proposal, albeit without binding assurances at this stage. The process underlines Ankara’s broader aim to secure an orderly return of these vessels while avoiding escalation and preserving humanitarian and food-security channels that have global implications. The dialogue acknowledges the need for careful coordination, given the volatile military and political climate surrounding the Black Sea and its approaches.
The defense chief highlighted operational complications in the Kherson region, where damage from the Kakhovka dam disaster has altered the riverine environment. Sediment and debris flow into the waterway have created hazards for navigation and have impeded ship movements near the port areas. The situation requires targeted measures to clear channels, assess cargo conditions, and restore navigability so ships can exit the area and reach their destinations with reduced risk to crews and cargo.
There was mention of a formal effort from Ankara to appoint a mediator who could sustain momentum on the grain-trade agreement, signaling Turkey’s ongoing role as a stabilizing force in regional logistics. In related discourse, a former government spokesperson alluded to Russia’s role in the “grain games,” underscoring the high stakes of food-security discussions that affect markets far beyond the immediate theaters of war. The aim remains clear: to maintain uninterrupted grain exports while addressing the concerns of both sides and guaranteeing safe harbor for ships and cargo that are critical to global supply chains. The conversations continue as Gulf, European, and North American stakeholders watch closely, recognizing how these negotiations influence price stability and humanitarian relief efforts across the world, including Canada and the United States.