Turkey is likely to assume the naval mission for Black Sea security as part of the security guarantees given to Ukraine, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists following the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Tuesday.
“The Turkish Armed Forces have always maintained that Turkey should assume responsibility for any naval element established at the time of peace,” Fidan said. “Considerable progress has been made on this.”
Fidan added that it was only natural for Turkey, the Nato ally with the largest fleet in the Black Sea, to be given responsibility for maritime security.
French President Emmanuel Macron said at a press conference that Turkey was willing to take responsibility in this area.
European and US allies of Ukraine on Tuesday agreed to “robust” security guarantees for Kyiv to come into force after an eventual ceasefire in Russia’s war against the pro‑western country. According to Macron, the agreement would see the United States lead a truce‑monitoring mechanism.
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Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent that foresees Britain and France deploying troops and setting up “military hubs” on Ukrainian territory in the event of a peace deal.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, who attended the talks in Paris, said the allies had “largely finished” agreeing on security guarantees for Ukraine, “so that the people of Ukraine know that when this ends, it ends forever”.
Sticking point
Middle East Eye reported in August that Ankara shifted its position last year after Moscow insisted it would not allow Nato troops on Ukrainian soil under any agreement. Instead, Turkey has focused on leading a potential naval mission in the Black Sea – acting as a deterrent, demining waters, and helping Ukraine rebuild its navy.
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The declaration from the UK and France would be a major sticking point with Moscow, given that Russia has repeatedly stated it will not allow European troops on Ukrainian soil.
Germany took a more measured approach during the summit, stating that it could maintain a presence close by, but within a Nato-area. In a seeming nod to Russia’s firm opposition to Nato members’ troop presence in Ukraine, Germany said it recognised that compromises would have to be made to eke out a deal.
Fidan said both Russia and Ukraine were closer than ever to reaching a deal and that all issues concerning the region’s post‑war structure were discussed in detail in Paris. He added that a potential peace agreement would also serve as a framework to shape the modalities of peace between Russia and Europe over the long term.
“In my view, it would be a comprehensive agreement that would go on to define Russia’s regional policies as well,” he said.
In addition to a potential military mission, Turkey is interested in participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Fidan noted that few countries are as capable as Turkey when it comes to healing wounds, both its own and those of others in need.
“Our economic experience, the skill of our business community, and especially our strength in infrastructure are critical assets,” he said. “We believe that once peace comes, Turkey will play a major role in driving the region’s economic revival and reconstruction.”
