Türkiye does not allow two minesweepers handed over to Ukraine by the UK to enter the Black Sea

Türkiye has denied reports that it has allowed two minesweepers that the UK is handing over to Ukraine to enter the Black Sea.

This was reported by the Centre for Combating Disinformation under the Office of the President of Türkiye.

"Türkiye immediately classified Russia's special military operation against Ukraine as "war" and, in accordance with Article 19 of the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, closed the Straits to warships of the belligerent parties (Russia and Ukraine)," the statement said.

This way, Türkiye is allegedly trying to "prevent escalation in the Black Sea".

It will be recalled that on December 11, the United Kingdom and Norway created a maritime coalition to support Ukraine. As part of the coalition, British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced the procurement of two mine countermeasures vessels for Ukraine.