The Russian diplomatic mission in Ankara has no information about the detention of Russian-owned ships in recent days. Igor Mityakov, press attaché of the Russian Embassy in Turkey, told TASS that the diplomatic mission has not received any complaints from Russian shipowners regarding the unlawful detention of ships by the Turkish side. Several Turkish media outlets reported the detention of 27 Russian-flagged ships for unspecified violations.
On December 16, Habertürk reported that Turkey had detained 27 Russian vessels in its ports. The locations of these vessels were not specified. According to the newspaper, the authorities took these measures in response to "similar actions by Russia," which allegedly detained eight Turkish-flagged ships. The newspaper's source also claims that government representatives from both countries have begun email discussions regarding a resolution to this issue. According to the source, it is not yet clear where and when the negotiations might take place, but both sides have "expressed their intention to resolve the issue."
Meanwhile, as reported by the Russian Consul General in Trabzon, Dmitry Talanov, there are no detained Russian ships in the major port of this Turkish city. "Vessels are currently undergoing state inspections for navigational safety," the Russian diplomat said. "But these inspections are carried out within the framework of international laws and regulations. We are not registering any unjustified delays of Russian transport."
“As a rule, detentions last from a few hours to a couple of days – I’m referring to the current detentions of Russian ships in Turkey, — the expert explained. — The crews are not subject to any restrictions or harm. They are in no danger. No one is detaining them."
A representative of the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul also reported that the diplomatic mission has no information about the illegal detention of Russian vessels in the Istanbul port.
