Russian envoy to Ankara: PKK not a terrorist organization

Speaking to Russian news channel Ria Novosti, Russian envoy to Ankara, Andrey Karlov, made some controversial remarks by claiming that the Kremlin does not recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization.

In the interview, Karlov touched on his meeting at the Turkish Foreign Ministry after he was summoned over airspace violations by Russian warplanes and alleged arms delivery to the Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG). Dismissing the claims, Karlov said the Kremlin understands Ankara's concerns regarding terrorism threats posed against it and does not target the interests of any country. He, however, stressed that the PKK is not designated a terrorist organization by the Kremlin.

Karlov also said that the Kremlin delivered arms to Kurds in northern Iraq upon the request of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). "Our actions in Syria and Iraq are carried out on the same terms with their respective governments," Karlov added.

Turkish Foreign Ministry (MFA) said in a written statement on Oct. 7 that the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Ministry for the third time in a week. Back then, a Kremlin spokesman said: "Russia-Turkey relations are various and have deep roots." Foreign Ministry during the meetings reportedly conveyed its concerns regarding air space violations and possible arms aid to the YPG.