Political scientist Yilmaz: Turkey will have to help NATO in case of war between Russia and Ukraine
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Turkey will be committed to its NATO commitments if war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine. Salih Yilmaz, professor at Yildirim Beyazit University in Ankara, said this in a commentary to Lente.ru.
According to him, Turkey will undoubtedly have to assist the alliance in carrying out a relevant mission, if asked to do so. In particular, NATO may request permission from the Turkish authorities for the passage of the alliance's navy into the Black Sea. At the same time, the Turkish political scientist ruled out that Ankara would send its troops to Ukraine or join NATO troops in the event of a “hot conflict” between the alliance and Russia. “Turkey does not take sides. She just wants to fulfill international agreements, ”Yilmaz said.
He noted that Ankara strives for good relations with both Moscow and Kiev, but at the same time remains faithful to the principles of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the same time, Turkey can act as an intermediary due to its close ties with both countries. “They can count on Turkey's mediation. With regard to the Ukrainian crisis, a new process similar to the Astana process on Syria may be launched, ”Yilmaz said.
Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Ankara stands for a constructive dialogue between Russia and NATO on the situation around Ukraine. The diplomat stressed that the Turkish side does not even want to talk about the possibility of a war between the sides. He assessed the situation as tense and hoped that negotiations would help resolve it.
