Russian Foreign Ministry: Turkey Did Not Detain Russian Ship

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Turkish authorities did not detain or arrest the Russian-flagged ship "Zhibek Joly," clarifying that it is currently undergoing routine procedures near a Turkish port. This statement was made by Alexei Zaitsev, Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing. He said, "We noted the reports published by several media outlets regarding the alleged detention of the ‘Zhibek Joly’ sailing under the Russian flag in a Turkish port." He added that according to the Russian embassy in Turkey, the ship is currently docked near the port and is undergoing routine procedures, including those related to phytosanitary monitoring. He further stated that "based on the results of these procedures, the Turkish authorities will make a decision on whether to allow the ship to enter the port or to deny it, and there is no talk whatsoever of the vessel being detained or arrested." Earlier, reports circulated about Turkey detaining the cargo ship "Zhibek Joly," which is claimed to be transporting Ukrainian grain.