'President Putin will not change course overnight, but soon, Russian leadership will feel high price it is paying': German envoy

By Nazli Yuzbasioglu

ANKARA (AA) - Turkiye and Germany have deep and diversified relations and Berlin wants to have a "positive agenda" with Ankara, according to the German Ambassador to Turkiye Jurgen Schulz.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, the German diplomat commented on bilateral relations with Turkiye and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's official visit to the capital Ankara in mid-March, as well as developments concerning the Russia-Ukraine war.

"We do want to have a positive agenda with Turkiye," Schulz said, noting the two countries had a "unique intensity and diversity" on various levels, including in politics and the economy as well as culture.

He said both countries also face many common challenges, including Russia's war on Ukraine.

"We are grateful that the government of Turkiye, like us, works to uphold the Charter of the United Nations and the basic principles of the OSCE and joins us in opposing (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin's aggression on Ukraine," he said.

"Within the UN, Turkiye has been a key actor and has actively engaged in drafting the resolutions condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine."

While arguing that Putin's "strategy of trying to divide the free world has failed" and his moves have in fact led to the uniting of the world more than had been the case for many years, the German envoy said Berlin wished for constructive, positive ties with Moscow, but Russia's president had "fundamentally" changed the relations between governments.

"The first path for us is always via negotiations and talks. In recent months, we have left no stone unturned to find a peaceful solution to this Russian crisis through diplomatic channels," Schulz said. "And we continue to explore options for diplomatic solutions every single day, just like our Turkish friends."

However, according to Schulz, Moscow had not responded to a German offer of talks and the war in Ukraine marked a "turning point," as it was a "direct attack not only on Ukraine but on the rules-based order."

"No country in the world can accept the sovereignty of others being up for grabs when its stronger neighbor wants it… Freedom, democracy and prosperity must be defended and secured against warmongers like President Putin," he added.

Germany has been a strong supporter of Ukraine ever since the crisis escalated, sending 2,500 Strela guided missiles, 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles to the country, according to the envoy, who noted that further deliveries were being considered.

Asked about the migration crisis triggered following the war and the critical views on Europe's attitude towards refugees of different nationalities, he said Germany welcomed over a million refugees from Syria in 2015 and the German nation welcomed them.

"I can only speak for my country. But what I can say is that in times of need, we helped the Syrian people who needed protection and shelter, and we will also do so now with the Ukrainian refugees – all the more, as Ukraine is in our immediate neighborhood," he said.

In addition, the German ambassador said sanctions were imposed at full speed against Russia in various areas, such as Russia's exclusion from the main global banking system, the SWIFT system, export controls and airspace closure and Belarus also received its share of sanctions.

"President Putin will not change course overnight. But very soon, the Russian leadership will feel the high price it is paying. In the last few weeks alone, Russian stock market values ​​fell by more than 30%. That shows our sanctions work, and we reserve the right to impose further sanctions," he said.

Responding to a question on whether the Russia-Ukraine war made Turkiye's importance for NATO better understood, he said the Ankara government's contribution was key in line with its geographical location, a position as a guardian of the Montreux Convention and its diplomatic efforts.

"In upholding Ukraine's territorial integrity and condemning Russia's unprovoked aggression, Turkiye clearly showed where they stand in this conflict…Turkiye has been a reliable member of NATO for 70 years, and its contributions to the defense alliance are of high importance, as they have always been."

On German restrictions in the context of arms sales to Turkiye, a NATO ally, the ambassador said Berlin was in "close contact" with the Turkish government for future cooperation.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has been met with international outrage, with the European Union, US and UK, among others implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 977 civilians have been killed during the war and 1,594 injured, according to UN estimates.

More than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas