Bosporus Potential NATO Flashpoint In Ukraine Crisis

Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar will ask Turkey to close Russian Black Sea access via the Bosphous if war breaks out in Ukraine. Denying Russian access to the Mediterranean would hinder logistical support lines to the Russian Black Sea Fleet and slow down an invasion of strategic ports like Odessa..

• Bodnar told Reuters that the Russian fleet poses 'a great danger' for Kyiv and Russian naval presence in the Black Sea is 'overwhelming.'
• The 1936 Montreux Convention gives Ankara the authority to close the Bosporus during times of war but any move to close the waterway would be considered a major escalation by a NATO member.
• If the crisis escalates in the coming days then this flashpoint could become more relevant and put Turkish President Recep Erdogan, who is currently trying to manage relations with both Russia and Ukraine, in a difficult position .