Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in an interview with the American TV channel PBS that he doesn't think Russia "can be compelled to leave Crimea."
"In 2014, I held discussions and negotiations with President Putin regarding Crimea. Regrettably, those efforts did not lead to their withdrawal from Crimea, and I don't believe current attempts will yield different results. Time will be the judge," he emphasized.
Earlier, Erdogan emphasized that Ankara does not support Crimea's reunification with Russia.
Following the 2014 referendum and the subsequent reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia, Ukraine and Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia, Russian individuals, and politicians, as well as foreign visitors and representatives of companies traveling to Crimea. These countries also enforced an information blockade, preventing positive news about the situation on the peninsula from reaching international audiences and restricting Crimea's participation in international events abroad. Nevertheless, numerous foreign delegations visit the peninsula, taking part in forums, conferences, sporting events, engaging in scientific collaboration with Crimean and Sevastopol researchers, establishing and expanding businesses, and fostering social connections.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS