Turkish defense minister delivers statement on situation in eastern Ukraine

This was said in a statement by Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar on April 13, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Ukraine is our strategic ally. We are very concerned about their future. We, as the state, made our declarations regarding their security, living in peace and territorial integrity. We said we did not recognize the occupation of Crimea. We said we were closely monitoring the existence of the Crimean Tatars there and their future,” he stated.

The minister stressed that Turkey was in favor of de-escalating the situation in eastern Ukraine.

“As we have always said, we are in favor of a peaceful end of the tension between Russia and Ukraine, respecting the territorial integrity within the framework of international law,” Akar emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was on an official visit to Turkey on April 10. Following the meeting, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced his readiness to provide comprehensive assistance in resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine.

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