NATO member criticizes Western strategy on Ukraine — Analysis

Turkish President Recep TAYYIP Erdogan criticized Wednesday’s collective West for underestimating Russia, and following policies that aim to provoke Moscow. He spoke with reporters after meeting with his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade, as part of a Balkans tour intended to promote Ankara’s regional diplomacy.

“I can clearly say that I do not find the attitude of the West [towards Russia] right. Because there is a West that follows a policy based on provocation,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Vucic on Wednesday evening, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.

“I don’t have to name names, but there are several Western countries whose approach, we think, is incorrect,” Erdogan explained. “When you follow a provocation-based policy, you cannot achieve results.”

Ankara pursued a different path. “balanced”The Turkish leader mentioned that the Turkish policy has resulted in a grain export agreement signed in July. Erdogan has visited both Ukraine and Russia and Turkey continues to do business with both countries, to the EU’s displeasure.

If you underestimate Russia, then it is a mistake. Russia cannot be undervalued.

Turkish President also spoke out on ammunition and weapons that have been sent to Ukraine by the West, calling them “unacceptable”. “leftovers.”A number of Bayraktar drones from Turkey have been sold to Kiev.

Russia sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, citing Kiev’s failure to implement the Minsk agreements, designed to give the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk special status within the Ukrainian state. These protocols, which were brokered by France and Germany, were first signed on February 24, 2014. Former Ukrainian president Pyotr Poroshenko has since admitted that Kiev’s main goal was to use the ceasefire to buy time and “create powerful armed forces.”

“There are no winners in a war like this, but I think there are a great many losers. People are losing their lives, and there is also the financial cost,”Erdogan spoke at the Belgrade press conference. Ankara’s policy is to look for ways for the conflict to end soon, he added. “Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s possible.”