Addressing Turkish diplomats, Erdogan suggested such attacks are detrimental to both sides of the Russo–Ukrainian war.
“By strictly adhering to the Montreux Convention [1936 treaty giving Turkey control over passage of warships through the Dardanelles], we have prevented the spread of war to the Black Sea,” he said.
“However, recent mutual attacks pose a serious threat to navigation security in the Black Sea. Attacks on commercial and civilian vessels benefit no one. We are making our warnings on this matter clear to both sides.”
The Montreux Convention, signed in 1936, grants Turkey control over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. During a war in which Turkey is not a belligerent, warships of countries at war may not pass through the straits except to return to their home bases.
On Dec. 15, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said F-16 fighter jets shot down a UAV over the Black Sea after it lost control and was approaching Turkish airspace. The ministry did not specify the drone’s origin or type.