Turkey’s decision not to implement sanctions on Russia has helped to keep communication lines with Moscow open for cease-fire efforts, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın said on Friday.
Speaking at the TRT Haber TV channel, Kalın said that relations with Russia that developed over a span of 10 years is now bearing its fruits and added: “This was also the case in Nagorno-Karabakh. If everyone burns bridges with Russia, who will speak to Russia?”
“The point on which we have to focus is to end this war as soon as possible. Our efforts are to keep communication lines open, continuing these efforts through gaining the trust of the two sides and preserving it,” Kalın pointed out.
Speaking on Turkey’s possible guarantorship for Ukraine, Kalın said: “Currently, we are not at the stage of guarantorship, we look positively at the issue. We are one of the rare countries with which both Ukraine and Russia speaks with and that they both trust.”
Maintaining its neutral and balanced stance, Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict, urging all sides to exercise restraint. While Ankara has opposed international sanctions designed to isolate Moscow, it also closed its straits to prevent some Russian vessels from crossing through them.
NATO ally Turkey borders Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ankara has offered to mediate between the two sides and host peace talks, underlining its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Having recently called Russia’s invasion an unacceptable violation of international law, Turkey has carefully formulated its rhetoric not to offend Moscow, with which it has close energy, defense and tourism ties.
While forging close ties with Russia in a number of areas and relying heavily on Russian tourists, Turkey has sold drones to Ukraine, which angered Moscow. Turkey also opposes Russian policies in Syria and Libya, as well as Moscow's annexation of Crimea. President Erdoğan has repeatedly said Turkey will not abandon its relations with Russia or Ukraine, underlining that Ankara's ability to speak to both sides is an asset.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which started on Feb. 24, has sparked international outrage with the European Union, United States and the United Kingdom, among others, imposing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
