Turkey "Cannot Recognize Russia's Annexation of Crimea... Supports Ukraine"

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey (Source: Reuters)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "I hope the recent tensions with Russia will be resolved soon," and added, "Turkey strongly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty."

At a press conference following a summit with the Ukrainian president held in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 10th (local time), President Erdogan emphasized the importance of easing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and ensuring security along the Black Sea coast.

The summit took place amid escalating military tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Donbas region. The two leaders held talks in Istanbul from 3:45 p.m. for about three hours.

President Erdogan called for maintaining a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and urged both sides to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

He also stated, "The Crimean Tatars have ethnic ties with Turks," and emphasized, "Turkey reaffirms its position of not recognizing Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014."

He added, "Our fundamental goal is for the Black Sea to remain a sea of peace and cooperation," and "We do not wish for any escalation of tensions under any circumstances."

In response, President Zelensky said, "Turkey's support is important for Ukraine's territorial recovery," and "I informed the Turkish side in detail about human rights violations and militarization occurring in Ukrainian territory."

Donbas refers to the areas of Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, where the majority of residents have pro-Russian sentiments.

In March 2014, when Russia abruptly annexed Crimea, which belonged to Ukraine, the pro-Russian residents of Donbas declared separation and independence, opposing the central government.

Supported by Russia, separatists have continued sporadic clashes with government forces, resulting in approximately 13,000 deaths.

Recently, clashes between separatist rebels and Ukrainian government forces have intensified in Donbas, and reports have been emerging that Russian troops are reinforcing their deployment near the border close to Ukraine.