In the 'Rus-Ukraine Conflict' Situation, Turkish Foreign Minister Says "Will Not Ignore Cooperative Relations with Ukraine"

On the 23rd (local time), soldiers in Donetsk, Ukraine, conducted training by firing American-made Javelin anti-tank missiles. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Turkish government has stated that it will not ignore its close relationship with Ukraine amid escalating military tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

According to local media on the 24th (local time), Mevl?t ?avu?o?lu, Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in a virtual speech at the National Security Academy meeting that "the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and Russia and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) have reached a dangerous level." He emphasized, "Our comprehensive cooperative relationship with Russia does not mean that we will disregard our close ties with Ukraine and our principles."

As a NATO member, Turkey maintains multifaceted cooperative relations with Russia, but in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is interpreted that Turkey will not abandon its support for Ukraine in accordance with its close relationship with Ukraine and NATO's policies.

Minister ?avu?o?lu stated, "In resolving such a complex balancing issue, we will do everything necessary for our national security," adding, "This is a difficult task, but this is exactly why diplomacy is needed." This is understood as Turkey's intention to make diplomatic mediation efforts considering its security interests to resolve the conflicts between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO.

Turkey has a close relationship with Ukraine, including selling attack drones. The attack drones provided by Turkey are known to be used by the Ukrainian government forces in fighting pro-Russian separatist rebels in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.