Erdogan to Meet NATO Chief Mark Rutte to Discuss Russia-Ukraine War Developments

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday in Ankara to discuss the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a Turkish official confirmed on Sunday.

The meeting comes after Russia launched a new hypersonic missile strike on Ukraine on Thursday, following Kyiv’s use of US and British missiles against Russian targets, marking an escalation in the ongoing war that began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

While Turkey has condemned the Russian invasion and supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, it has also maintained a balanced stance. As a Black Sea neighbor of both Russia and Ukraine, Turkey has provided military support to Ukraine but opposes Western sanctions against Moscow, citing strong defense, energy, and tourism ties with Russia.

Erdogan has also expressed opposition to the US allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, warning it could intensify the conflict. Meanwhile, Moscow has condemned such actions as a direct escalation, accusing the US and its allies of entering into a direct conflict with Russia.

The talks between Erdogan and Rutte will also focus on removing defense procurement barriers between NATO allies and strengthening the alliance’s joint fight against terrorism, the official added.