If we back down this time, then next time, Turkey might push even further with the support of certain forces. They could come up with even trickier reasons to block access to the straits when delivering destroyers or aircraft carriers.
(In diplomacy, once you show weakness, the other side will only become more aggressive, pushing you around without reason.)
If this continues, who in the world would dare buy warships from Russia or Ukraine? Not only would it be a laughingstock, but it would also harm the national economy.
"You're coming to Turkey tomorrow? Or the day after? Mr. Mavi, before that, there's something you should know. Turkey's move to block the aircraft carrier is likely not as simple as it seems. The European Union or NATO—or possibly both—could be involved," said Snyerana, her voice filled with concern.
If the EU is behind this, then it makes sense. But if NATO is also involved, things could get much more complicated!
NATO and the EU are different. NATO is a military alliance that includes countries from both Europe and North America, while the EU consists only of European countries. The key difference is that NATO is led by the United States, whereas the EU is governed by European nations themselves.
"Thank you for the warning, Deputy Prime Minister Snyerana. I understand."
Faced with history repeating itself, Mavi felt it was necessary to teach the Turks a lesson in this lifetime. However, he hadn't yet figured out the best approach. For now, he could only take things one step at a time.
### Global Media Reactions
The following morning, news outlets around the world picked up the story of the Varyag aircraft carrier.
The Washington Post:
"Yesterday, a Ukrainian tugboat towing the Varyag aircraft carrier was forcibly detained by the Turkish government while passing through the Bosporus Strait. Negotiations between the two countries are currently underway."
France's European Times:
"According to reports, Ukraine's Varyag aircraft carrier was detained by Turkey, citing the Montreux Convention and potential economic impacts on the surrounding waters. Further details will be followed up in our reports."
Beyond newspapers, television programs also jumped on the story. So-called military experts, historians, and geographers began offering their opinions on the matter.
For example, a British historian stated on a TV program:
"According to the 1963 Montreux Convention, signed by Black Sea coastal nations, the Varyag aircraft carrier belongs to a non-Black Sea nation and exceeds the 30,000-ton displacement limit. Therefore, Turkey has every right to deny Ukraine's request for passage."
A French geographer added his perspective through the media:
"The Bosporus Strait is a highly strategic location, and all ships entering or leaving the Black Sea must pass through it. The Varyag, with its massive 67,000-ton displacement, would undoubtedly affect other vessels' navigation. Turkey's actions are understandable and justifiable."
### Public Reactions in the EU
Besides these so-called experts voicing their opinions, public sentiment across EU nations was also growing increasingly hostile, especially after the failure of the previous economic aid package for Ukraine.
A radical German commenter wrote under a news article:
"If I were Turkey, I wouldn't let it pass under any conditions. Aircraft carriers are dangerous weapons of aggression and should be scrapped for scrap metal. Even Germany doesn't have one!"
Another self-righteous commentator said:
"Let me be fair here. Turkey has the Montreux Convention backing them up, which makes their stance entirely reasonable. If Ukraine or Russia tries to force their way through, they'll be provoking international outrage."
Yet another self-proclaimed pacifist took it a step further:
"Ukraine is getting bolder lately. First, they rejected our economic aid, and now they're stirring up trouble with this aircraft carrier. If Ukraine dares to act recklessly, even I, a peace advocate, would propose that our government teach them a lesson!"
Mavi shook his head as he read through the news and comments online before shutting his computer. These ignorant people, keyboard warriors, and so-called experts always get caught up in the moment. Will they ever stop? Do they really need to be slapped in the face before they realize how wrong they are?
### Diplomatic Showdown in Turkey
Two days later, Mavi boarded a private jet alongside a Russian diplomat and landed at a Turkish airport. There, they were greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Snyerana.
"Mr. Mavi, I've been negotiating with the Turkish government these past two days. They are refusing to budge on the 21 conditions they have put forward. If even one of them is not met, they won't allow the Varyag to pass through," she said, her expression filled with worry.
It seemed that the Turkish government had been giving her the cold shoulder, frustrating her throughout the negotiations.
For Mavi, this was his first time dealing with international diplomacy. He wasn't sure what stance to take—whether to be aggressive or use a more strategic approach.
So, for now, he chose to stay silent and observe how the Russian diplomat, Vyacheslav, handled the negotiations.
### A Deliberate Delay
Ten minutes later, the three of them took a car to the Turkish Prime Minister's office. When they arrived, they were made to wait outside for fifteen minutes before Prime Minister Ahmet finally showed up, walking slowly down the hallway in an oversized black suit.
"Apologies for the delay, gentlemen. I had some matters to attend to," he said, his bloated frame swaying slightly as he spoke.
His leisurely demeanor made it obvious—he had deliberately kept them waiting to assert dominance, creating a sense of urgency to strengthen Turkey's position in the negotiations.
Even though his arrogance was obvious, diplomatic etiquette required patience. Snyerana kept her composure and made the introductions:
"Prime Minister Ahmet, allow me to introduce you. This is Mr. Vyacheslav, a diplomat from Russia. And this is Mr. Mavi from the Black Sea Shipyard."
"Oh, nice to meet you. Mr. Vyacheslav, Mr. Mavi," Ahmet said absentmindedly, shaking their hands with little enthusiasm.
It was clear that Turkey was determined to stand its ground. They had no intention of letting the Varyag pass unless all their demands were met. After all, Turkey was not acting alone—they had powerful backers behind them…
(End of Chapter)