Turkey’s closure of the straits prevented Russia from capturing Odesa and Mykolaiv, says Ukrainian ambassador

The Montreux Convention prevented Russia from using its maritime superiority to capture Odesa, Mykolaiv and other territories.

This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar, Ukrinform writes.

“One of the key stages of Ukraine’s defense was the closure of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits by Turkey. This did not allow Russia to use its maritime superiority to capture Odessa, Mykolaiv and other territories, which, according to Moscow’s plans, were to be occupied as a result of operations from the sea,” Bondar noted.

The ambassador recalled that at that time “we sank one “Moscow” (Moskva), but two more Russian cruisers were waiting in the Mediterranean Sea.” The diplomat also noted that Turkey has become a serious transport hub for Ukraine.

“Previously, when ships with cargo for Ukraine stopped in Turkish ports, the regulatory framework did not allow Ukrainian carriers to enter to transport these cargoes. Currently, the visa-free regime is in effect. Without any licenses or permits, our companies transport goods that Ukraine desperately needs from Turkish and other ports through the territory of Turkey,” Bodnar noted.

 Earlier, USM reported that Ukraine and Turkey are introducing joint phytosanitary control of cargo.