Turkey has warned Russia and Ukraine of possible legal action in the event of new attacks on civilian cargo ships and tankers in the Black Sea. So said the Defense Minister of the Republic, Isr Golar. Ankara is concerned about the increasing attacks on merchant ships. The head of the security department called on the parties to the conflict to comply with the rules of safety in navigation and not to allow new attacks on the civilian fleet. Guler emphasized that Turkey intends to protect its legitimate interests if ships belonging to the republic or flying its flag are attacked. According to him, the Turkish Ministry of Defense is closely monitoring the development of the situation in the Black Sea. The minister also said that Ankara has repeatedly sent official warnings to Moscow and Kiev. The Turkish authorities demand the exclusion of civilian shipping lanes from combat zones and an end to attacks on commercial maritime transport.