Turkey Presses Russia and Ukraine to Halt Attacks on Civilian Shipping

Turkey has taken a direct stance against attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, following the assault of its own vessels off the coast of Ukraine and Russia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan proposed that both countries establish a moratorium on attacks against vessels in the region.

The country's coast guard has begun to withhold permits for individual vessels, especially those heading towards Novorossiysk in Russia. However, traffic to Turkish and Bulgarian ports remains unimpeded.

Turkey earns significant revenue from transit through the Black Sea and re-exports of Ukrainian and Russian agricultural products. The country's flour milling industry relies heavily on imported wheat, mainly from Russia, while its oilseed industry purchases crude sunflower oil from Ukraine and refines it for sale to third countries.