Erdogan: Turkey can not leave either Russia or Ukraine

Turkey can not abandon its ties with either Russia or Ukraine, President Tayyip Erdogan said today, criticizing the West’s diplomatic efforts with Moscow, saying they have achieved little.

According to Reuters, speaking to reporters on his return from Africa, President Erdogan reiterated his offer to mediate between Russia and Ukraine and said that Turkey, which has good relations with both, would make moves that do not will damage its bilateral ties.

“It is not possible to leave either (countries),” he was quoted as saying by Turkish media. “Our goal is to take such a step so that, God willing, we can resolve the issue without abandoning anyone,” he added.

At the same time, Erdogan called on Ukraine and Russia to resume talks between them and said that NATO needs to “clarify its position” after Wednesday’s summit.

Talks with US on F-16s on track

Elsewhere in his remarks, President Erdogan said that Turkey’s talks with the United States on modernizing F-16 fighter jets are going well.

It is recalled that relations between Ankara and Washington have intensified in recent years, mainly due to the purchase by Turkey of Russian S-400 missile systems, which brought US sanctions.

Turkey had agreed to buy 100 F-35 fighters but the program was terminated by the US after the purchase of the S-400.

The Turkish president has said the agreed advance could be used to buy 40 F-16 fighter jets and 80 existing upgrade kits.

Today, Erdogan reportedly told reporters on a plane returning from a trip to Africa that the crisis between Ukraine and Russia had demonstrated the need to purchase Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, given the risks to the security in the area.