Russia would be unwise to invade Ukraine: Erdogan
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Turkey, which wants to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, warns the latter against invading the eastern European nation.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russia would be unwise to attack Ukraine, and, in that case, Turkey would do what is necessary as a NATO member, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday.
According to Erdogan, he invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to Turkey, proposing to host Moscow and Kyiv for diplomacy and a path to peace.
"I hope that Russia will not make an armed attack or occupy Ukraine. Such a step will not be a wise act for Russia or the region," the Turkish leader told NTV.
He also asserted was needed, one that would "listen to Russia and eliminate their reasonable security concerns."
Turkey has good ties with both Kyiv and Moscow; however, Russia had previously turned down mediation offers from Ankara over Turkey selling UAVs to Ukraine.
Additionally, Turkey has long opposed recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, while cooperating with Russia on defense and energy.
Erdogan reiterated Ankara's readiness to "do whatever is necessary," saying he had informed Presidents Putin and Zelensky. "I think both countries are aware of the sincerity and good intent of Turkey."
The crisis should be solved "avoiding the use of force," he added. "We hope the NATO initiative will be successful on this."
Turkey first made its mediation offer in November. Last week, diplomatic sources said both Russia and Ukraine were open to Turkey playing a role in resolving the crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been planning to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks, his spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin had said. The announcement came one day after the Turkish president warned Russia against invading Ukraine.
Erdogan could also head to Russia soon, he announced, just days after he had revealed his intention to visit Ukraine in early February in a bid to simmer down rising tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
"I have an upcoming visit to Ukraine, and I could potentially talk with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin over the phone or visit Moscow," Erdogan told reporters.
S-400 deliveries still continuing
Erdogan also announced that Ankara and Moscow continued work on delivering Russian air defense systems S-400.
"The process continues, there are no steps back. We decide what we buy from whom," Erdogan stressed.
"The background of our deliveries of the S-400 is an understanding that is hidden in ourselves," he told the Turkish NTV broadcaster.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are on a rise due to the West accusing Moscow of planning an invasion against its western neighbor, alleging that Russia has a military buildup amounting to 100,000 soldiers on the borders with Ukraine.
The Kremlin has denied these allegations and demanded a written commitment that Ukraine would never be able to join NATO and that the alliance would not place any military equipment in certain countries in the region surrounding Russia.
Moscow sees that it is best for Russian security that the alliance does not expand eastward and that Russia does not have any Western military activity in its vicinity.
