Erdogan: “military lobby” opposes peace initiatives in Ukraine

Turkey has faced opposition from the “military lobby” in organizing negotiations to extend the grain deal and the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. transmits Haberturk TV channel.

“Ongoing diplomatic efforts on a grain deal and a prisoner exchange have unfortunately been blocked and worn down by the military lobby,” the president said, adding that Turkey was being targeted by proponents of a continuation of the Ukrainian conflict.

He noted that over the past year and a half, the republic has faced “provocations and malicious attempts to put Turkey in a difficult situation.” According to him, Turkey “is still the only country that simultaneously negotiates with Russia and Ukraine, manages channels of dialogue and develops proposals.”

The grain deal was concluded on July 22, 2022 by representatives of Turkey and the UN, on the one hand, and representatives of Russia and Ukraine, on the other. Separate agreements were concluded with Moscow and Kiev: the first was for the export of Ukrainian grain from three ports, including Odessa, Yuzhny and Chernomorsk, and the second was for assistance in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers. Moscow has repeatedly noted that the second part of the deal is not being implemented. In May, the deal was extended until July 17.

After that, Erdogan declaredthat the deal was extended for another two months due to the “special relationship” between Moscow and Ankara. He also noted that Turkey and Russia have “positive relations”, so the issue of imposing sanctions against Moscow is not worth it. According to him, in relations with countries such as Russia, it is necessary to adhere to a “balanced approach.”