Official Ankara continues to try to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv. The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova informed that the chief diplomats of Russia and Ukraine can meet within the framework of the Antalya Diplomatic Forum scheduled on March 11-13.
Maria Zakharova (Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman) - At the initiative of the Turkish leader, the Antalya Diplomatic Forum will provide contacts between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine through the mediation of the Turkish Foreign Minister.
Zakharova said that the Presidents of Russia and Turkey agreed upon the meeting during a telephone conversation.
It is noteworthy that Turkey has been officially seeking a neutral position since the start of hostilities in Ukraine. Turkey does not openly support either side, while declaring that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be preserved. Turkish studies scholar Anahit Veziryan notes that Ankara pursues its own policy.
Anahit Veziryan (Turkish studies scholar) - Turkey pursues a policy that it has always pursued - to be on both sides, but at the same time show that it is neutral.
Since the start of hostilities, planes have been flying from Turkey to Ukraine. Ankara says it is providing humanitarian assistance to Kyiv. At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Minister announced in early February that the country had received another batch of Bayraktar drones. At the same time, Ankara seeks to avoid tangible conflicts with Moscow, entrusting anti-Russian propaganda to those close to the government.
Anahit Veziryan - When we look at the Turkish press, the picture is the opposite. If we do not say supportive, then there is a lot of anti-Russian propaganda.
Erdogan’s wife and co-owner of Bayraktar Selçuk Bayraktar, who is the son-in-law of the Turkish president, back Ukraine.
Ankara has also applied the provisions of the Montreux Convention, closing the Bosphorus and Dardanelles to warships.
Anahit Veziryan - But there is a but here. Ships belonging to the countries of the Black Sea region, based in the Black Sea, have the right to return to the Black Sea.
In fact, this decision of Turkey has practically no effect on hostilities. It is noteworthy that the decision to close the straits was made by Turkey for the first time.
