Putin Talks with Erdogan... "Disappointed" by US and NATO Sanctions

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 23rd (local time), Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his "disappointment" with the response of the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

CNN reported, citing a statement released by the Russian presidential office after the call, that "President Putin expressed disappointment with the response of the U.S. and NATO, which ignored Russia's legitimate concerns and demands."

President Putin emphasized to President Erdogan that this decision was made in the face of attacks by the Ukrainian government in the Donbas region and a firm rejection of the Minsk agreements.

On the other hand, President Erdogan reiterated Turkey's stance opposing President Putin's actions that threaten Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. According to a statement from Erdogan's presidential office, Erdogan told Putin, "Military conflict will benefit no one," and added, "It is important to reach conclusions based on the Minsk agreements."

Earlier, when President Putin recognized the independence of separatist forces in Ukraine's Donbas region, President Erdogan condemned Russia, saying, "This decision is unacceptable," and urged compliance with international law.

Turkey, which has close ties with Russia in natural gas, trade, and other areas, is one of the countries feared to be hit hard economically if sanctions against Russia intensify. As a NATO member, Turkey has maintained good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and even proposed holding a summit in Turkey between President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to mediate the conflict.

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