In a strikingly bold move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine. This statement was made during a video address to the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit on September 11, 2024. Erdoğan’s remarks are significant given Turkey’s complex diplomatic relationship with Russia.
Erdoğan asserted, “Our support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence is unwavering.” He continued, “The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law.” This declaration challenges Russia’s annexation of Crimea, which has been widely condemned by the international community.
In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea following a referendum that was deemed illegal by most of the world. The move was followed by significant international backlash and sanctions. The annexation has remained a point of contention, with Ukraine and its allies refusing to recognize Russian sovereignty over the peninsula.
Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, has traditionally maintained a careful balance in its relations with Russia. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has opposed Western sanctions on Russia while also providing support to Kyiv, including sending armed drones. This balancing act has been a hallmark of Erdoğan’s foreign policy.
In his address, Erdoğan also highlighted the plight of Crimea’s ethnic Tatars, who have faced persecution since the annexation. He stated, “I believe that additional steps will continue to be taken to strengthen the rights of the Crimean Tatar Turks in the upcoming period.” Erdoğan emphasized that these ethnic groups should be able to live “freely, securely, and peacefully in their own homeland.”
In October 2020, Erdoğan had previously expressed Turkey’s stance on Crimea during a joint press briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. At that time, Erdoğan declared, “We have and always will support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including over Crimea.” This consistent support underscores Turkey’s firm position against the annexation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted that Ukraine must accept the annexation of Crimea, as well as the territories of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, as a precondition for peace talks. This stance has been a major obstacle to negotiations and a continued source of tension between Russia and Ukraine.
Turkey’s call for the return of Crimea highlights its strategic position in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While maintaining diplomatic ties with Russia, Turkey’s support for Ukraine underscores its role as a key player in regional stability. Erdoğan’s statements reflect a nuanced approach to international diplomacy, aiming to support international law while managing relations with powerful neighbors.
The international community has largely welcomed Erdoğan’s statements. Many countries and organisations continue to advocate for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ongoing conflict has led to widespread humanitarian concerns and calls for a resolution based on international legal principles.
In Turkey, Erdoğan’s firm stance has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a courageous defence of international law and support for an ally in need. Others question whether it might strain Turkey’s relations with Russia, given the economic and strategic ties between the two nations.