Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed that since the Ukraine crisis began, Turkey has emerged as a pivotal player in seeking a resolution. He emphasized strict adherence to the Montreux Convention, which governs navigation through the crucial Black Sea Straits, and stressed that a spillover of the conflict into the Black Sea basin could be averted with that framework in place. The remarks were reported by TASS.
Erdogan described Ankara’s mediation efforts as an earnest bid to halt bloodshed and noted that the Black Sea Grain Initiative helped avert a crisis that could have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. He underscored a clear and principled Turkish stance: there is no desire to witness further bloodshed, and any escalation to the Black Sea basin would spell disaster for the entire region. The country, he asserted, prevented such a catastrophe by faithfully following the Montreux Convention.
Earlier, the Turkish president spoke at a gathering with participants in the annual conference of ambassadors serving abroad. He reaffirmed that Turkey would persist in its efforts to restart the grain deal and sustain dialogue aimed at stabilizing the region.
On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a decision to launch a military operation described as a special mission to protect Donbass in response to requests from the leaders of the LPR and DPR. This move triggered a new wave of sanctions from the United States and allied nations. News outlets tracked the unfolding events in real time, providing ongoing coverage of the evolving situation.
In related discussions, there have been critiques of Erdogan by some observers who accused him of failing to meet certain obligations toward Russia. These debates reflect the complex dynamics at play as Turkey navigates its strategic interests, regional security concerns, and its commitments under international law and the Montreux Convention. The ongoing conversations about grain shipments, security guarantees, and diplomatic engagements illustrate Turkey’s role as a key mediator in a highly sensitive corridor connecting Europe, the Middle East, and the broader Black Sea region. The situation remains fluid as international actors continue to assess risks, propose mechanisms for de-escalation, and work toward sustainable solutions that avoid widespread humanitarian costs. Attribution: This summary draws from multiple public statements and contemporary reporting, including sources identified in official communications from Turkish authorities and international agencies.