The closing of the Bosphorus Strait for Russian ships could be an adequate response to Russia's violation of international maritime law in the Sea of ​​Azov, Ukraine's Naval Forces Commander Ihor Voronchenko has said.

"The Montreux Convention clearly states: if a conflict occurs between two countries, and one of them is the aggressor, then the Bosphorus automatically closes for ships flying its flag," said Voronchenko told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency during the 2nd international conference on maritime security in in Kyiv on Thursday.

The commander of the Naval Forces of the Supreme Soviet of Ukraine noted that the topic had already been raised previously in the fall at NATO headquarters.

"In September, at NATO's office in Naples, I asked the commander of the Turkish Navy: if there is Russian aggression against Ukraine, will you close the Bosphorus for the aggressor country. The commander replied: we will comply with the convention," Voronchenko said.

According to Turkish media, Turkish President Erdogan on Wednesday expressed willingness to act as a mediator to resolve the situation in the Azov-Black Sea basin in connection with Russia's shelling and the seizure of Ukrainian warships. .

Voronchenko earlier said Ukraine intends to ask for the closure of the Bosphorus Strait for passage by Russian ships in connection with the Russian aggression against the Ukrainian military vessels in the Kerch Strait area.