Turkey and NATO Strengthen Black Sea Security Amid Rising Tensions With Russia

Turkey is playing an increasingly prominent role in Black Sea security as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul for discussions on maritime cooperation and a proposed new grain corridor ahead of the Abu Dhabi summit. The diplomatic engagement comes amid reports of Russian attacks on commercial vessels and growing concerns about the safety of regional shipping.

Ankara’s position is shaped by its control of the Turkish Straits under the Montreux Convention, which restricts the passage of warships during wartime. Turkey has also participated in regional mine-countermeasure cooperation, while expanding its naval capabilities through Ada-class corvettes and other defense programs.

The report examines Turkey’s defense cooperation with Ukraine, including the possible role of ASELSAN KORKUT air-defense systems, as well as Ankara’s efforts to diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on Russian gas. These developments could give Turkey greater flexibility in its relations with Moscow and Kyiv.

However, Turkey has not established complete control over the Black Sea, and Russia retains significant military and maritime capabilities in the region. The evolving situation instead reflects a complex balance involving Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and NATO, with maritime security, grain exports, energy supplies, and diplomatic negotiations all shaping the regional strategic picture.