London - In a diplomatic development, Turkey has officially declared that two British minehunter ships, intended for Ukraine, will not be permitted to travel through Turkish waters due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The move comes as Ukraine seeks to bolster its maritime capabilities amid Russia's blockade of the Black Sea.

Last month, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced Ukraine's procurement deal to acquire Sandown Class vessels from the British Royal Navy. However, Turkey has invoked the Montreux Convention of 1936, which governs maritime traffic through the Turkish Straits, to justify its decision to deny passage.

A statement from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's communications directorate clarified their position, asserting that "the mine-hunting ships donated to Ukraine by the United Kingdom will not be allowed to pass through the Turkish Straits to the Black Sea as long as the war continues." It emphasized that the straits are closed to both Russian and Ukrainian warships during the conflict.

The UK Ministry of Defense had previously acknowledged that the convention might impede the immediate transfer of the ships. Ukrainian Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, speaking at a press conference alongside Shapps, confirmed that the vessels could not yet be brought to the Black Sea due to the pact.

While this development poses a setback for Ukraine's maritime capabilities, Admiral Neizhpapa highlighted the ongoing threat of mines in the Black Sea, and underscored the importance of these minehunters once the conflict concludes. The Royal Navy ships will play a vital role in securing the safety of the region's waters once the Russia-Ukraine war comes to an end.

It remains uncertain how Ukraine will proceed in light of Turkey's decision. The country, already facing a blockade by Russia, will now have to explore alternative routes or negotiate with other nations for the transfer of the minehunter ships. As tensions escalate in the region, the international community will be closely watching the developments and their impact on regional security.

The British-Ukrainian agreement regarding the minehunter ships reflects ongoing efforts to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. With the Black Sea region remaining a hotbed of tension, the nature of such geopolitical dynamics also holds implications for NATO, which maintains close partnerships with both the United Kingdom and Turkey.

As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts may be crucial in finding a resolution that allows for the transfer of these vessels to Ukraine.