In a bold move signaling Turkey’s alignment with NATO, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine, emphasizing that its annexation violates international law. Speaking at the fourth annual Crimea Platform, a Ukrainian-hosted summit, Erdogan reiterated his unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. "The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law," Erdogan stated, reinforcing his nation's stance against Russia's 2014 takeover of the peninsula.
Erdogan's speech also touched on the rights of the Crimean Tatars, a Turkish-aligned ethnic group with historical roots in Crimea. He stressed the importance of their right to live "freely, securely, and peacefully in their homeland." Turkey has long condemned Russia's historical and recent treatment of the Tatars, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries when they faced persecution at the hands of Russian rulers. This issue remains at the forefront of Turkish concerns regarding Crimea.
Turkish Erdogan, who has been called a "dear friend" by Vladimir Putin, made a strong statement:
"Our commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence remains unwavering. The return of Crimea to Ukraine is a requirement of international law.” pic.twitter.com/cY6qH1LP30
— Vapor (@we_are_vapor) September 12, 2024
Turkey, despite being seen by some as a Russian ally, has consistently walked a tightrope in its relations with Moscow and NATO. The Kremlin was quick to push back against Erdogan’s comments. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, dismissed the call to return Crimea, insisting that Crimea is now part of Russia.
"Subjects of the Russian Federation are not subject to negotiation," Zakharova said, referencing the 2014 referendum in which Crimea voted to join Russia—a move widely rejected by Ukraine and the West as illegal.
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This isn't the first time Erdogan has voiced his support for Ukraine. Since the onset of the war, Turkey has supplied Ukraine with military drones and played a key role in securing critical grain exports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative. While Erdogan has maintained communication lines with Moscow, positioning Turkey as a potential peace mediator, his firm stance on Crimea serves as a reminder of Turkey's ultimate loyalty to NATO and its broader strategic interests in the region.
The Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014 following a controversial referendum, holds strategic importance for Moscow, particularly as it serves as the home to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Since its annexation, Crimea has been a point of contention between Russia and Ukraine, with the latter refusing to recognize the region as Russian territory. Western nations, including the U.S., have consistently backed Ukraine's claims over Crimea, while warning of the risks of further escalation if attempts to retake the peninsula are made.
Erdogan’s comments come at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine shows little sign of resolution. Moscow’s firm rejection of any negotiations concerning Crimea complicates hopes for peace, even as NATO countries, including Turkey, continue to push for a resolution based on Ukraine's sovereignty.
While Erdogan has successfully navigated a delicate balance between maintaining ties with both NATO and Russia, this latest move places Turkey more firmly on the side of Ukraine and its Western allies. Russia’s reaction indicates that Crimea will remain a significant obstacle in any future peace talks, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
