Turkey stands its ground not to sanction Russia despite what the western alliance has resolved to do, causing tension among NATO members.
The move goes against the motions of the UK against Russian President Vladimir Putin that has shown a mixed consensus. Many countries like Germany and some bloc members are concerned about the effects of their gas and oil supply.
Turkey To Remain Neutral
In a diplomatic forum in Antalya last Sunday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu remarked that the economic penalties heaped against Moscow are making things worse, reported the Express.
Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet in Ankara on a Monday to talk about the conflict.
Turkey is the only NATO member with a maritime border with both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, cited Al Jazeera. It doesn't want to jeopardize its relationship with both countries because of the US, with whom things are not going smoothly.
Ankara called the Russian invasion that entered Ukraine provinces unacceptably. However, the sanction pushed by the West are not effective and causing problems, so they want to hold talks to mediate, noted Ajansev.
Ukraine claims, on Sunday, it is coordinating with Ankara and Israel to set up a framework for its talks with Moscow. A week ago, the two aggrieved combatants held high-level talks to seek diplomatic solutions in Turkey as the conflict raged.
Sanctions on Russia Worsens Situation
Turkey has established links with Moscow for defense, energy, trade, and tourism from Russians visiting the country. But Ukraine's purchase of Turkish-made drones has caused backlash from the Kremlin, but they do not want to sanction Russia.
The Turkish government has had its differences over Russian policy in Libya and Syria, including the taking of Crimea in 2014. Like Putin, the West sanctioned it in 2020 because they are not supposed to buy Russian S-400 defense systems.
The Turkish leader said that his government wanted NATO systems but, on their terms, not the alliance, leading to its purchase of the Russian system as the last option.
One thing was clear that NATO would not tolerate any of their members getting any system other than from the West. All arms buys and terms should be at the discretion of the military alliance, no buying of soviet arms and systems.
Ukraine Calls for Increased Sanctions
According to TASS news agency, reported last Sunday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated while on the sidelines of the meeting that the Turkish government show is in on the economic embargo.
Britain even added unprecedented aviation sanctions that included capturing civilian planes and stopping components for aircraft or space systems to Moscow.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba remarked last Monday the embargoes would be in place to hit Russia, calling for boycott and cancellation of global firms doing business in Russia.
He even asked all ports not to allow Russian ships to port or deny their cargo. Several firms like Swiss Re and European banks have heeded Ukraine's request.
On Monday, Ukraine claimed it had begun negotiations with Russia on a ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops, and security assurances.
