NEW YORK, USA – In a firm and unequivocal declaration at the United Nations, Turkey has once again solidified its long-standing position on the status of Crimea, forcefully rejecting Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula and reaffirming its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Speaking at a high-level meeting, Turkish Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, emphasized that Ankara has never, and will never, recognize Moscow's 2014 seizure of the Ukrainian territory. His comments serve as a powerful reminder that despite complex regional dynamics, Turkey remains committed to the principles of international law.
A "Historical and Moral Responsibility"
Beyond the legal and political stance, Minister Güler drew special attention to the plight of the Crimean Tatars, an indigenous Turkic ethnic group on the peninsula with deep historical and cultural ties to Turkey. He framed Turkey's support for the community not merely as a foreign policy issue, but as a profound obligation.
"For us, this is not just a matter of foreign policy, but also a historical and moral responsibility," Güler stated. "We will continue to work to ensure their voices are heard and to protect their rights, freedoms, and dignity."
This commitment to the Crimean Tatars is a cornerstone of Turkish policy. Since the 2014 annexation, Ankara has been a leading advocate for the community, consistently highlighting human rights abuses and the suppression of their culture and political institutions, such as the Mejlis (the Crimean Tatar representative body), which has been outlawed by Russian authorities.
A Masterful Balancing Act
Turkey's resolute position on Crimea is a significant element of its complex and often delicate relationship with Russia. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ankara has managed to perform a difficult balancing act:
Opposing Russia Geopolitically: Turkey, a NATO member, has supported Ukraine politically, provided significant military aid (notably the Bayraktar drones), and closed the Turkish Straits to Russian warships, in line with the Montreux Convention. Its stance on Crimea is the clearest example of this opposition.
Cooperating with Russia Economically: Simultaneously, Turkey remains heavily reliant on Russian energy, tourism, and trade. President Erdoğan has maintained a direct line of communication with President Vladimir Putin, acting as a key mediator in crucial negotiations, such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
This dual-track approach demonstrates Ankara's ability to compartmentalize its relationships. The strong statement at the UN sends a clear message: while economic and pragmatic cooperation with Moscow is necessary, Turkey will not compromise on fundamental issues of international law, national sovereignty, and its historical commitments. This "red line" on territorial integrity underscores its role as a distinct and independent power broker in the region.
