Turkish president criticizes US decision to allow Ukraine’s missile system use against Russia

By Gizem Nisa Cebi and Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Wednesday disapproval of the US decision to allow Ukraine’s Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to be used against Russia.

"First and foremost, we do not consider it a right decision, nor do we approve of it," Erdogan said, speaking to journalists, on his return flight from Brazil.

He further criticized the impact of such actions on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has surpassed 1,000 days since it began in February 2022. "A step taken by (US President) Mr. (Joe) Biden will be interpreted as a move to fuel the war to ensure it never ends, or even to spread it."

Erdogan also warned that the escalating missile tensions between Russia and Ukraine could have broader global consequences.

"These could bring the region and the world to the brink of a great war. The mentality of 'let the future take care of itself' leads nowhere," he said.

Addressing national security concerns, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to combatting terrorism both at home and abroad.

"We are determined to consign the problem of terrorism to history. We have no tolerance for structures that pose threats to our country beyond our borders," Erdogan emphasized.

He also called on the Syrian regime to take more responsibility in countering terrorism, particularly regarding the PKK and YPG terror groups. "Just as we are making efforts to drain this swamp, the Syrian administration should engage in similar efforts as well."

Turning to Syria, Erdogan reiterated that Türkiye was prepared for the new dynamics following the US withdrawal.

"We are ready, as Türkiye, for both the new situation that will arise from the US withdrawal from Syria and the current reality. Our national security comes before everything else," he noted.

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.

Erdogan also addressed the ongoing threat posed by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the defeated 2016 coup against the Turkish government, emphasizing vigilance across Turkish institutions.

"We can never be complacent in the fight against FETO. All our institutions are on high alert against FETO’s infiltration attempts," he concluded.