Türkiye is committed to expediting the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, suggesting that peace negotiations should be assessed considering Ukraine's interests.
Ukrinform, citing VOA, reported that Başat Öztürk, Director General for International Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, made this statement.
Öztürk noted that Türkiye's support for Ukraine is unwavering because it is "a neighbour, historically brother, and friendly country." He also emphasised that the support is not solely derived from the issue of Crimean Tatars.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry representative said, "We consider all Ukrainian people as our brothers and sisters, and that is why I pray for them with all my heart."
According to Öztürk, Türkiye does not want the Russian-Ukrainian war to drag on. But he stressed that this does not mean that Ukraine should surrender.
Öztürk said, "No war has lasted forever. To achieve peace following this war, it is essential to consider the legitimate and legal interests of the Ukrainian people."
As previously reported, Türkiye unwaveringly supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. It is stated that international law mandates that Crimea be returned to Ukraine. It is widely recognised that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has made this clear.