Türkiye 'only NATO country' that visited Ukraine, Russia since war began: Cavusoglu

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Citing the latest rise in tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Turkish foreign minister on Tuesday said Türkiye is the "only NATO country that has visited" the two warring countries since the Moscow-Kyiv war started in February.

"Unfortunately, the negotiation and peace process has been abandoned. The balances have changed as both sides seek gains on the field and as the efforts for supremacy continue," Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised interview in Ankara.

The latest actions by Ukraine and Russia have "made the situation even more difficult," Cavusoglu stressed, saying both sides are aware of Türkiye's balanced policy regarding the situation.

Türkiye continues its diplomacy without disrupting its relations with Russia and Ukraine, the Turkish minister affirmed, adding that his country displays a position in line with international law.

He also stressed that everyone, especially Ukraine, is paying the price for ending the dialogue with Russia.

Türkiye carries out policies that aim to minimize the effects of war, Cavusoglu also said, and noted that there would have been no grain deal if Türkiye had joined the Western countries' position and sanctions against Russia.

Ankara "supports Ukraine's territorial integrity," he added.

On relations with Greece, Cavusoglu said Athens is disturbed by Ankara's role as a global actor.

Greece displays an "unfair stance on the maritime jurisdiction" issue in the Aegean Sea, the Turkish foreign minister said, calling on Greece to stop "dreaming."

He further said Türkiye responds to Greek provocations in all areas, including sea, air, and ground.

The Turkish minister also criticized the US position on Türkiye-Greece relations, saying Washington has lost its balanced policy approach on issues related to Cyprus and the Aegean Sea.