Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Moscow's recognition of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to the Kremlin.

"The leaders exchanged assessments of the situation in connection with Russia's recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Vladimir Putin emphasized the objective necessity of the decision taken in the face of the aggression of the Ukrainian authorities in the Donbass and their categorical refusal to comply with the Minsk agreements. Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced his well-known views on this matter," the Kremlin added in a statement.

"The topic of developing long-term legal security guarantees for Russia was also touched upon. In this regard, Vladimir Putin expressed disappointment with the US and NATO response, which was reduced to an attempt to ignore Russia's legitimate concerns and demands," the statement read.

On his account, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Turkey would not recognize any move against Ukraine's sovereignty and warned against a military conflict.

The Turkis President added that Turkey would "not recognize any step against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," according to his office and that Ankara would take a "principled approach".

He stressed that "a military conflict would not bring benefit to anyone", and that Ankara placed priority on diplomacy and dialogue, the Presidency said. 

"Turkey is ready to do its part to reduce tensions and maintain peace," he told Putin.

Furthermore, Erdogan emphasized that he has always placed a high value on the close dialogue he has established with Putin on regional issues, that they have seen positive results as a result of this, and that he is determined to keep this understanding.

The two presidents agreed to maintain contacts between Russia and Turkey in various formats.

Turkey, a NATO member, shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and maintains cordial relations with both. Erdogan has volunteered to arbitrate in the dispute, has warned Russia against "invading" Ukraine, and has slammed the West's handling of the problem.

It is worth mentioning that  Putin said earlier that Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy but has the right to defend its security in the medium and long term.