Turkey urges de-escalation of tensions between Russia, Ukraine

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Turkey's National Security Council called for de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine in a statement yesterday (January 27).

The escalation is not in the interest of anyone, the National Security Council, chaired by President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said in a statement released after the meeting held at the presidential complex in the capital city of Ankara.

Russia has recently amassed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's eastern border, prompting fears that it could be planning another military offensive against its former Soviet neighbor. Moscow has denied that it is preparing to invade and said that its troops are there for exercises.

On January 26, Erdoğan reiterated that he is ready to host the leaders of Russia and Ukraine to "pave the way for re-establishing peace" as tensions between the two countries show little sign of diminishing. "Turkey wants tensions between Russia and Ukraine to be resolved before they turn into a new crisis," the president said during a televised interview.

Rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia

Regarding the recent rapprochement process between Turkey and Armenia, the National Security Council statement has underlined the importance of the improvement of mechanisms and efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the South Caucasus, with the constructive and sincere efforts of the parties, especially Turkey and Armenia.

The first meeting of special representatives from both countries was held on January 14 in Moscow, Russia. According to a statement by Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties exchanged preliminary views on the process "in a positive and constructive atmosphere" and "agreed to continue negotiations without preconditions aiming at full normalization." (AEK/SD)