Turkey Denounces Russian Annexation of Ukrainian Territory

President Erdogan speaks during talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul (Wikimedia Commons).

On October 1, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry condemned Russia’s annexation of four provinces in Ukraine and called for peaceful negotiations to end the conflict. Since the start of the invasion, Turkey has maintained a diplomatic balancing act between support for Ukraine and close commercial ties to Russia. As Putin continues to escalate the war in Ukraine, Erdogan faces a difficult decision regarding Turkey’s position moving forward. 

On September 30th, Russia formally proclaimed the annexation of four regions of Ukraine, incorporating Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia. This outcome was anticipated, as local Russian officials claimed an overwhelming majority of residents in the regions stood in favor of joining Russia. Consequently, Ukraine and its NATO allies immediately rejected the referendums as illegitimate, adding that the votes were coerced and nonrepresentative. 

As such, Turkey has joined the list of nations rejecting this annexation, citing a “grave violation” of international law. The Turkish Ministry stated that it had not recognized Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and “has emphasized its strong support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty on every occasion.” 

“We reiterate our support to the resolution of this war, the severity of which keeps growing, based on a just peace that will be reached through negotiations,” the statement added. Despite an unwillingness to cooperate from both sides of the conflict, Erdogan continues to push for peace talks and believes Turkey can play a significant role in brokering a diplomatic solution. 

In a recent meeting on October 2 in Istanbul, officials from Turkey, Ukraine, and the U.S. discussed the current situation in Ukraine and plans for the future. Ukraine and the U.S. advocated stronger measures against Russia’s aggressive escalation. However, Turkey remained neutral and refrained from joining heavy sanctions against Russia. 

Moreover, presidential spokesperson Ibarahim Kailm highlighted Turkey’s desire to maintain its relations with Russia and Ukraine. However, as NATO attempts to present a united front and take increased action against Russia, Turkey will feel increased pressure to choose a side. 

Turkey’s balancing act is based on three parts: maintaining commercial ties with Russia, supporting Ukraine in the conflict, and serving as the source for potential diplomatic solutions. 

Turkey is dependent on Russian oil and gas. As a result, President Erdogan wants to prioritize increasing trade with Russia. This is crucial to stabilizing Turkey’s struggling economy and financial markets, especially with next year’s upcoming elections. 

Furthermore, Turkey must now decide if they will stop allowing Russian Mir payments, a system that helps Russian businesses relocate and bypass sanctions. The U.S. has increased pressure on Turkish banks, and failure to comply could result in secondary sanctions on Turkey. 

On the other hand, Turkey supports Ukraine in the conflict because an independent Ukraine is vital for regional security. Russia’s expansion directly threatens Turkey and neighboring states, so they have supported Ukraine with military aid. As a NATO member, Turkey’s strategic partnership with its Western allies also plays a major role in Turkish security. 

As the war in Ukraine escalates, Turkey’s condemnation of Russian annexation shows the complexity of Turkey’s neutral position and interests on both sides of the conflict. As Ukraine applies for NATO membership and calls for increased support from its Western allies, Turkey’s unique position means it could have increased influence in that vital decision.