The British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris, clarified in an interview with European Truth that Kyiv will not receive the promised Sandown-type minesweepers from London. The Holistic limitation stems from the Montreux Convention and Turkey’s stance, which will remain in effect until the Northeast Military District project reaches completion. This positions London in alignment with multilateral maritime rules while Ukraine awaits the strategic assets it expected.
The Montreux Convention restricts the passage of warships through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles during hostilities in the Black Sea. Harris emphasized that the United Kingdom is a signatory to the treaty and that this stance is consistent with British policy in the current crisis. The consequence is a pause on the transfer of certain military vessels into the Black Sea until the involved parties and the regional security calculus allow for clarified and agreed navigation parameters.
Earlier, several near-term assessments from NATO partners and regional observers suggested that minesweepers would not be admitted through the straits under the current conditions. London’s pledge to Ukraine has thus been tempered by the diplomatic and legal framework governing Black Sea access, a framework designed to prevent rapid escalations and to maintain channel stability amid ongoing tensions. The practical effect is that Kyiv may need to adjust its operational plans until the geopolitics of the straits permit safe passage or alternate routes can be agreed upon.
Turkey has closed the straits to warships belonging to warring parties in line with Article 19 of the Montreux Straits Convention, a step that reflects Ankara’s long-standing adherence to the treaty since 1936. Turkish officials have underscored that these principles remain in force despite the turbulence caused by the Ukraine conflict, arguing that strict enforcement helps avert broader confrontations in the Black Sea and contributes to regional calm at a time of heightened risk. This measured position is part of a broader effort to balance alliance commitments with national security priorities and regional stability.
Throughout the crisis, Turkish authorities have reiterated their commitment to the Montreux framework, noting that its provisions are designed to regulate access and to prevent an inadvertent widening of hostilities in the maritime domain. Adherents argue that this restraint reduces the chance of accidental clashes and supports a controlled environment for diplomatic dialogues. By maintaining these standards, Turkey aims to preserve open channels for negotiation while preserving its own security interests and regional influence.
In parallel, officials have signaled that the timing of any naval support movement, including anti-mine operations in the Black Sea, will be coordinated with ongoing assessments of risk, navigation freedoms, and allied consultations. The question of when and how such operations may begin depends on several variables, including the security situation, the readiness of partner fleets, and the evolving interpretation of Montreux obligations in light of current hostilities. Analysts note that decision-makers prefer to avoid rapid deployments that could provoke unnecessary escalation while still providing essential support to Ukraine’s defensive operations. This dynamic underscores the delicate balance between alliance pledges and maritime law in a highly fluid regional context. (attribution: regional security briefings and official statements)”