They recalled the position of Turkey, which is in favor of a ceasefire and holding peace talks.
The war in Ukraine will continue in 2023 and will not end easily.
This opinion was expressed by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Hurriyet reports.
Regarding the upcoming war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, Akar said: “This war will not end easily. The support of the US and Europe continues. There are preparations, plans and money put into the budgets. On the other hand, the Russian Federation has statements. If we combine all this, then it will not be a mistake to say that this war will continue in 2023, despite all our good intentions and wishes for a ceasefire and peace.”
Akar also stated that Turkey insists on a ceasefire, even if it is for humanitarian purposes. After that, according to him, we can talk about a permanent ceasefire and peace talks.
“Turkey continues to work hard in this direction. Let peace come after war and negotiations,” Akar said.
He added that Turkey supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and recalled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements about not recognizing the annexation of Crimea.
The role of Turkey in the war in Ukraine
On July 22, Ukraine and Russia signed agreements with the UN regarding the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea. Turkey acted as a mediator in this. On November 2, Russia returned to fulfilling the obligations of the “grain agreement”, and already on November 14, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi started talking about the expansion of the grain corridor.
At the same time, Erdogan himself has repeatedly stated that the war in Ukraine does not benefit anyone. He regularly holds talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Volodymyr Putin in order to find a way to end the war in Ukraine.
