Turkey’s position over Russian-Ukrainian war
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – With the Russian invasion moving forward in Ukraine, Turkey’s position has become more clear of supporting Ukraine and avoiding the risks of retaliation from Russia.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey cannot abandon ties with Russia nor Ukraine as he called for sanctioning Russia for its action.
Prior to the invasion, Russia recognized Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics a step that Erdogan condemned during a phone call with the Russian and Ukrainian counterparts.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement on February 21 that classified Russia’s actions as “a clear violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”
The Turkish Foreign Ministry and the President Erdogan denounced the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 for “violating international law and posing a threat to regional and global security.”
Erdogan called on NATO and the European Union, to pursue more decisive actions beyond “issuing condemnations to Russia and offering advice to Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, Turkish officials are now trying to identify the lowest-cost policy options between standing with NATO, supporting Ukraine, and minimizing the risks of retaliation from Russia.
However, Ukraine is not the first theater of conflict where Turkey and Russia have opposing interests. Turkey has challenged Russia’s sphere of influence in various areas including Libya, Central Asia, Syria, and the Caucasus.
Additionally, Turkish officials noted that Ankara is prepared for all scenarios and will continue to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Ankara has also provided its Bayraktar TB2 armed drones to Ukraine since 2019, signed several defense cooperation agreements since 2020, provided military aid, and agreed on future joint defense productions.
Ankara offered to mediate between the two countries which was an unilateral offer that Putin has refused so far.
Turkey calls for an immediate halt of Russian attacks and the start of ceasefire negotiations, Ibrahim Kalin, the spokesperson for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.