Rhetoric change for Turkey: Russian invasion of Ukraine declared ‘war’ for first time

A change of rhetoric from Turkey, which he called today “war” the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This change could pave the way for the NATO member state to invoke an international treaty to restrict the passage of Russian ships in the Black Sea.

Under the Montreux Treaty (1936), the Turkey controls the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits connecting the Mediterranean and the Black Sea; and may restrict the passage of warships in time of war or if threatened.

Balancing its Western commitments with its close ties with Moscow, Ankara has said the Russian attack is unacceptable, but has so far not declared the situation a war.

“During fourth day of the war in Ukraine“We reiterate President Erdogan’s call for an immediate end to Russian attacks and the resumption of negotiations on a ceasefire,” said Ibrahim Kalin, a spokesman for the presidency, as reported by Reuters and the Athens-based News Agency.

Fahrettin Atun, Turkey’s communications director, said “we are witnessing another war in our region”, and reiterated Erdogan’s proposal to mediate.

Kiev has called on Turkey to block the passage of other Russian warships to the Black Sea, from where Moscow has launched one of its offensive off the southern coast of Ukraine.

But the Turkish foreign minister said on Friday that Russia had the right under the Montreux Treaty to bring its ships back to their bases, which could limit any change in Turkish policy.

Turkey has cultivated good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. A move that turned so much against Moscow could hit large volumes of energy and product imports and its tourism sector in a time of domestic economic turmoil.