Ukrainian ambassador calls closure of Bosporus and Dardanelles straits an aid to Ukraine

The closure of the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits by Turkey for the passage of warships at the beginning of the special operation has prevented Russia from doing so. This was stated by the Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar on November 24.

"Turkey's closure of the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits in accordance with the Montreux Convention since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine has prevented [Russia] from using its advantage at sea," he said in a conversation with the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.

Bodnar also added that Turkey "has become a strong transportation hub" for Ukraine.

On February 25, 2022, the Turkish Foreign Ministry reported that Kiev had requested Ankara to restrict the passage of Russian warships through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. The ministry noted that Ankara would be able to close the straits to Russian warships, but this restriction would also apply to Ukraine.

Then, on February 28, 2022, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara warned all foreign countries about the ban on the passage of warships through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.

On March 1 of the same year, the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs stressed that the decision of the Turkish authorities to close the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits for the passage of all warships will not cause Russia significant damage. It was noted that "Turkey is a NATO country and is under pressure from the alliance".