Ukraine cooperates with Turkeya NATO member, as much as possible for more support against the Russian invasion and understands -although not happy about it- the reality of Ankara’s parallel ties with Moscowsaid a Ukrainian diplomat.
Ankara condemned the invasion and sold drones in Kyiv despite Russian objections. But has also opposed Western sanctions against Moscow and maintains a cautious rhetoric, avoiding blaming either country for the conflict, even amid reports of war crimes in parts of Ukraine.
«We would be happy if Turkey participated in the sanctions and interrupted flights from Russia. But we understand this reality“, Said yesterday, Friday, the diplomat to foreign journalists on condition of anonymity.
«… “Instead of criticizing Turkey, we are cooperating with the Turkish side as much as possible, and we are not asking for something that cannot be done.”he added, noting that is still the only country that managed to bring together Russian and Ukrainian officials for peace talks.
Turkey, which depends heavily on Russian energy imports and Russian touristshas emerged as a safe haven for Russians fleeing sanctions – many have invested in Turkish assets.
The diplomat cited evidence that shows how at least 100,000 Russians have arrived in Turkey and sought residence permits after the war started. At the same time, however, some 85,000 Ukrainians also arrived in the country, of whom about 47,000 moved to other countries or returned home, he said.
Turkey has also banned some Russian warships from crossing its straits into the Black Sea.“saving” in this way the coastal city of Ukraine, Odessa, which has resisted Russian attacks, the diplomat said.
Some Russian ships are still cruising the straits and could bring supplies from Syrian waters“We ask the Turkish side to monitor what they bring from Syria to Russia,” the diplomat said.
Turkey opposes Russia’s policies in Syria and Libya and the annexation of Crimea by Moscow in 2014, but has bought the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system, which the US imposed sanctions on Ankara in December 2020.
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