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

UPDATES WITH FURTHER REMARKS BY TURKISH PRESIDENT; REVISES LEDE; EDITS THROUGH

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, warning that it could escalate global tensions and prolong the war.

"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, where he attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

"From the very beginning, we have believed that the Ukraine-Russia war can only end with more efforts for peace, goodwill, and diplomacy—not with more weapons, more blood, and more tears," he added.

Erdogan 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 major war. You cannot get anywhere with the mentality of 'after me, the deluge'," he said.

Erdogan also expressed concern that the US decision would be perceived as an attempt to intensify the conflict rather than end it, adding that Russia might respond strongly to the increased use of missile systems.

- Türkiye's G20 advocacy for global peace

Further, Erdogan reflected on the results of the G20 summit, where he highlighted Türkiye’s efforts to promote peace and sustainable development.

Speaking about the summit’s focus on combating hunger, poverty, and reforming international organizations, the president reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to addressing global inequalities.

"At the summit, I drew attention to Israel's aggression toward Gaza and Lebanon. As a result of our efforts, strong language on Gaza was included in the G20 Leaders' Declaration.

"Calls to remove obstacles to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and address the dangerous escalation in Lebanon were also recorded at the leaders' level," he said.

Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's consistent role as a global leader in humanitarian aid, noting its initiatives including the Zero Waste campaign and active support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

-'Fairer world possible'

Echoing his long-standing call for global reform, Erdogan stressed the need for a transparent and accountable international system.

"The problems in the global system are causing irreparable damage. This broken system must be reformed before it drives our world into great disasters. We will continue to advocate that the world is bigger than five and that a fairer world is possible."

-Türkiye’s national security priorities

Turning to national security issues, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s determination to combat 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."

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.

On achieving a "terror-free Türkiye," Erdogan outlined a comprehensive approach, saying: "The steps we have taken to end terrorism in our country are well-documented. The ultimate goal is a Türkiye free of terrorism. While doing this, no one should assume we might abandon the fight against terrorism. Recent debates have shown how terrorist organizations exploit our Kurdish citizens and how their narratives have collapsed."

Erdogan detailed efforts to combine counter-terrorism strategies with social and economic reforms in disadvantaged regions, and noted: "Strengthening education, job opportunities, and social services has been a key focus. We are close to reaching our goal of a terror-free Türkiye."

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 said.

Erdogan added that Türkiye remains vigilant in its fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group behind the 2016 coup attempt.

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