Erdogan says Turkey cannot abandon ties with Russia or Ukraine

ANKARA, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Presiden Tayyip Erdogan on Monday repeated that Turkey couldn’t abandon its ties with Russia or Ukraine, amid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, including Ankara would implement a pact on passage from its straits to forestall an escalation of the battle.

NATO ally Turkey on Sunday referred to as Russia’s invasion a “battle”, permitting it to invoke articles below a 1936 worldwide accord that may restrict the passage of some Russian vessels from Turkish straits. Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia and has good ties with each. learn extra

Talking after a cupboard assembly, Erdogan criticised what he referred to as the “indecisive” stance by the US and Western powers to Ukraine’s invasion, saying the method was an indication of a failing worldwide order.

He mentioned Turkey wouldn’t compromise from its commitments to its alliances, together with NATO, however that it may additionally not flip again on “nationwide pursuits” in its area. He repeated that he discovered the Russian invasion unacceptable.

Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay

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