NATO allies Turkey and the UK are at loggerheads after the former refused permission for two former Royal Navy minehunters donated to Ukraine to transit through its waters on their way to the Black Sea.
Under a Turkish government decree, the two ships were prevented from accessing the Bosphorus and Gallipoli straits to reach their destinations.
Last month, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed its intention to send ships to the Ukrainian Navy to support the conduct of maritime operations in the war against Russia.
These ships formed part of a wider aid package.
It was announced today that the UK and Norway will co-lead a maritime capabilities coalition that will provide a blueprint for the development of Ukraine's navy. Reconstruction efforts began with Britain providing new ships and equipment.
https://t.co/85weUwkwXr🇺🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/VIGzBqjLf0
— Ministry of Defense (@DefenceHQ) December 11, 2023
Defense Secretary Grant Shapps Said The ships will help reopen “vital export routes” that have been restricted since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.
The deployment of two Royal Navy minehunters to Ukraine has been underway for some time.
These were part of a British maritime aid package promised before Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense also revealed that the UK would set up a “maritime coalition” with Norway to gain long-term support for Ukraine.
A former Royal Navy Sandown class mine hunter is set to enter service with the Ukrainian Navy. (British Navy)
The reason for Turkey's refusal is the invocation of the 1936 Montreux Convention, which came into force after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. daily telegraph report.
The treaty blocks all passage of warships of either party involved in the conflict.
However, there is an exception for ships returning to their home base.
