Erdogan explained that Turkey wants to maintain a positive relationship with Moscow. “Russia is one of the most important grain producers in the world. You cannot ignore a country like that,” the president concluded. NATO member state Turkey presents itself as a neutral party during the war in Ukraine. The country refused to participate in sanctions against Russia, but in the meantime also supplied military drones to Ukraine.
This cautious attitude enabled Turkey to play a mediating role, including in the realization of the so-called grain deal between the warring parties. This made it possible for a long time to safely transport Ukrainian agricultural products across the Black Sea. Russia ultimately decided not to renew the agreement and then stepped up attacks on Ukrainian ports. Erdogan has previously expressed hope that the deal can make a new start.