Turkiye reiterates support for Kiev, says Crimea must be returned
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Turkiye has not recognized the annexation of Crimea, deeming its expulsion illegal under international law.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a joint press conference with the Ukrainian president at the Dolmabahce Presidential office in Istanbul on March 8, 2024. (AFP)
Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while asserting his continuous support for Crimean Tatar rights.
"Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence is unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," Erdogan said in a video message screened at the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit.
Erdogan stressed that the territory's return to Kiev aligns with international law.
The Turkish leader expressed gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Abdulcemil Kirimoglu for their efforts in organizing the summit, marking the 80th anniversary of the Crimean Tatars' expulsion.
Erdogan stressed that his nation has never recognized the annexation of Crimea, adding that Crimean Turks should have the right to live "freely, securely, and peacefully in their own homeland."
"Our sincere wish is for the war to end with a fair and lasting peace based on Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence," Erdogan concluded, conveying Ankara's hopes for resolving the conflict.
US increases pressure on Turkiye's banking operations with Russia
Turkiye has taken a relatively neutral stance amid the Russia-Ukraine war, continuously reiterating its mediation offer to resolve the ongoing conflict.
The US is increasing pressure on Turkiye for its banking operations with Russia, issuing regular warnings about the need to impose strict control over outcoming payment sources, an informed Turkish financial market source told Sputnik.
Russian ambassador to Ankara, Alexey Erkhov, told Sputnik that issues in mutual settlements between Russia and Turkiye are prevalent, with transfers being blocked, accounts being closed, and frequent occurrences of companies involved in the transit of goods to Moscow being forced out of Turkish banks.
"Our banks, both state and private, are currently under increased pressure from the United States in light of the recent sanctions package against Russia. All sources of transfers from and to Russia are being checked, and bank accounts [for Russian citizens] are being opened under increased control of head offices," the source said concerning Erkhov's recent statement.
"It is clear that an official decision is needed here. It has not yet been received by the banks," he added, highlighting the normalization situation between the two countries remains unknown.
