Erdogan Proposes Self for Mediatorship Between Russia, Ukraine

Turkey's President, Recep Tayip Erdogan, said Turkey cannot back down from relations with Russia and Ukraine, while criticising Western diplomatic efforts towards Moscow, as he said they have achieved little success.

Speaking to reporters on his return from his visit to Africa, Erdogan reiterated his willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine and said Turkey as a NATO member country, which has good reports with the two countries, would take steps that would not harm its bilateral reports, writes anews, Perskopi notes.

It's impossible for us to choose between them. Our goal of us taking such a step so that, God willing, we can solve the problem without damaging the other side” is quoted as saying by the Turkish president.

He called for Ukraine and Russia to continue talks and said NATO should determine its position after Wednesday's summit.

Russia's recognition of the two regions as independent countries in eastern Ukraine has sparked sharp reactions in the West and sanctions against Russia. Turkey, which borders the Black Sea with Ukraine and Russia, has basically voiced against sanctions, but Moscow's recent decision has called it unacceptable. /Periscopi