Erdogan: 'I Trust Russia No Less than the West'

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes that the Ukrainian crisis will be prolonged. He also stated that he collaborates with Russia and trusts it no less than the West.

"I have no reason to distrust them. For the past 50 years we have been on the brink of the European Union, and at this moment, I trust Russia no less than the West," Erdogan mentioned in an interview with PBS on September 18.

He added that half of his natural gas supplies come from Russia, which demonstrates their solidarity. "We are taking joint steps; we are also cooperating in the defense industry. All of this we can do together with Russia," the Turkish president remarked.

According to him, Ankara and EU member states have different positions regarding the Russian Federation. "Russia is one of my closest neighbors, and we have a shared history," Erdogan noted.

He believes that the conflict in Ukraine will "last a long time." At the same time, Turkey hopes that it will "end as soon as possible." Erdogan emphasized that Moscow is "truly committed to the position of a quick resolution of this conflict."