Turkey

Turkey is discussing the creation of two separate safe routes in the Black Sea – for ships heading to Ukraine and Russia.

Market participants expected a clearer statement from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding the possible closure or restriction of vessel passage through the straits.

After the Russian Federation intensified its attacks on Ukrainian ports and civilian vessels, Ankara has shown that it is ready to use control of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles as leverage.

For Ukrainian exports, this means a new risk premium – even before the straits are actually closed. USM spoke with experts in the maritime and agricultural industries to find out how Turkey’s decision could affect shipping and the freight market.

Turkey has resumed the passage of merchant ships through the straits towards the Black Sea after several days of delays for voyages to Russian and Ukrainian ports.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calls on Moscow and Kyiv to agree on a moratorium on strikes on merchant shipping.

If quarantine organisms are detected in the grain, it will not be allowed for import, and the Ukrainian exporter will be denied a phytosanitary certificate.

Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey have agreed to expand the joint operational group that deals with mine clearance in the Black Sea.

The largest importer of Ukrainian soybeans in the 2025/26 season was Turkey with 923 thousand tons, and rapeseed – Germany with 876 thousand tons.

The bulk carrier “Zaid” loaded with stolen grain in occupied Sevastopol.

The Victoria yacht, which Putin uses, has left Russia and is heading to Turkey via the Bosphorus.