Ukraine’s envoy praises Turkey for preventing Russia’s naval capture of Odesa, Mykolaiv

Turkey's decision to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits under the Montreux Convention at the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been pivotal in thwarting Russian plans to capture key Ukrainian ports, according to Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar.

In an interview with Ukrinform, Bodnar credited Turkey's strategic move for blocking Russia's maritime superiority, which could have facilitated the seizure of vital coastal cities like Odesa and Mykolaiv.

“One of the key stages of Ukraine’s defense was Turkey’s closure of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. We sank the Moskva, and two more Russian cruisers were stationed in the Mediterranean Sea.

I believe Turkey’s decision prevented Russia from leveraging its maritime superiority to seize Odesa, Mykolaiv, and other territories that, according to Moscow’s plans, were to be occupied through operations from the sea,” Bodnar said.

The Ambassador also highlighted Turkey’s crucial role in facilitating Ukraine's trade, particularly regarding the transport of goods through Turkish ports. Under the new system, Ukrainian companies now enjoy a visa-free regime, allowing for the smooth transit of critical cargo without the need for additional licences or permits.

“Previously, when ships carrying cargo for Ukraine docked at Turkish ports, regulatory barriers often prevented Ukrainian carriers from transporting these goods.

Today, a visa-free regime is in place, allowing Ukrainian companies to move critical cargoes from Turkish and other ports through Turkish territory without needing additional licenses or permits,” Bodnar added.

Since the invasion began, Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant damage on Russia's Black Sea Fleet, including the destruction of the flagship missile cruiser Moskva and substantial damage to other vessels.