Turkey has made progress regarding the release of vessels blocked by the Russian Federation in Ukraine
15.05.2023 - 15:50
Photo: Dry cargo ship Tuzla, one of the Turkish cargo ships blocked in Ukraine due to Russian actions.
Turkey has made progress in negotiations with the Russian Federation regarding the release of Turkish cargo ships blocked in Ukrainian ports since the beginning of the full-scale war.
During two days of diplomatic talks last week, Turkish diplomats made progress on an agreement to release all Turkish cargo ships from Ukraine, The Maritime Executive The Maritime Executive reported, citing the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
About 50 foreign vessels have been blocked in Ukrainian ports since February 24 last year. The agreement will require Russia to guarantee not to fire on foreign ships as they leave ports.
If it is possible to free the Turkish ships, it may become a precedent for the release of other foreign ships that were blocked in Ukrainian ports due to the actions of the Russian Federation.
It is currently unknown whether the agreement will include the return of vessels seized by Russia in Mariupol in June and July last year.
