Turkey Cannot Abandon Either Russia or Ukraine, Says Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Ankara cannot abandon Russia despite the escalating situation surrounding Ukraine. This information was reported by RIA Novosti.

"We cannot abandon either of them. We have political, military, and economic relations with Russia. We also have political, military, and economic relations with Ukraine. If you say, 'Abandon Ukraine,' we cannot do that, as our country has interests there. If you say, 'Abandon Russia,' we also cannot do that, as we currently have really advanced relations with them," said the Turkish president.

It is noteworthy that the situation in Donbas has escalated in recent days, with the self-proclaimed DNR and LNR reporting numerous shelling by Ukrainian forces. The leaders of both republics also announced the temporary evacuation of citizens to Rostov region due to the threat of Ukraine's invasion.