Ukraine wants Türkiye to close the strait to block Russian warships

Mr. Voronchenko cited Article 19 of the 1963 Montreux Convention, which gives Türkiye control of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, regulating the passage of warships. "In accordance with Article 19 of the Montreux Convention, we will seek to close the Bosphorus Strait in Türkiye to make the Russians understand the consequences of violating international law," Mr. Voronchenko said.

The 1936 Montreux Convention has different rules for warships from Black Sea and non-Black Sea countries. Türkiye has the right to prohibit passage of warships if it detects war or perceives a direct threat to its national security. Türkiye can also prohibit passage of ships from countries at war through the straits even if Ankara is not involved in the conflict.

With the terms clearly stated in the Montreux Convention, even the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) would find it difficult to ask Ankara to close the Bosphorus Strait to neutralize Russian warships of the Black Sea Fleet.

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Defense and Security Committee Franz Klintsevich said that Ukraine's plan to ban Russian ships has no legal basis. "Kyiv's plan to close the Bosphorus Strait to Russian ships is legally useless. Article 19 of the Montreux Convention, cited by Ukrainian Navy Commander Igor Voronchenko, has nothing to do with this. Russia is not at war with any country. By strongly reacting to the illegal attempts of Ukrainian naval vessels to pass through our territorial waters, Russian border guards acted in accordance with international law," Franz Klintsevich emphasized.

Obviously, Moscow was very wise in choosing the appropriate response, strictly complying with international law so that the opponent could not seek to provoke under any law.

Meanwhile, Ankara also has a very smart way of reacting, not wanting to lose its relationship with Russia but also not being able to displease NATO allies who are expressing strong support for Ukraine in the tense situation in the Kerch Strait. Turkish President Recep Erdogan announced on November 29 about the possibility of being a mediator to reduce tensions between Russia and Ukraine. "We can take on the role of mediator and we have discussed this proposal with both sides," the Turkish President affirmed.

Erdogan made the statement after his phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Erdogan also spoke with US President Donald Trump.

"Both Putin and Poroshenko made such a request during the phone call. We will convey Ukraine's proposal to Putin during the meeting in Argentina," Erdogan said, adding that the issue will also be discussed during his discussions with his counterpart Trump at the G-20 summit.