Turkey Warns of Escalating Russia-Ukraine War

Turkey has warned of the risks of the Russia-Ukraine war spiraling out of control, potentially impacting the surrounding region and the world due to the looming threat of weapons of mass destruction.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “All conventional weapons that can be used have already been employed, but the Russia-Ukraine war persists. In this process, peace will either prevail, or the war will spiral out of control.”

Speaking at the TRT World Forum in Istanbul on Saturday, Fidan criticized certain countries for supplying arms to Ukraine instead of seeking peaceful solutions.

He remarked, “The escalation of the war demonstrates another global security challenge that extends beyond the immediate belligerents, affecting the entire world.”

Fidan highlighted the heightened arms race and growing risks as the conflict becomes more dangerous and unpredictable, with fears of weapons of mass destruction now on the table.

Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine’s use of ATACMS long-range missiles to strike Russia, following months of Zelensky’s lobbying for the removal of restrictions on these weapons.

Turkey opposed Biden’s decision while urging NATO to consider Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine.

Fidan called for serious attention to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warnings, stating, “Putin’s words should not be dismissed as mere threats but as cautionary advice against escalation.”

He urged prioritizing diplomacy to achieve a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace, warning that increased militarization in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions could push the world to the brink.

“The global security framework is becoming increasingly fragile,” Fidan said, stressing the importance of international agreements to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. He cautioned that such weapons could be exploited by terrorist organizations, worsening the global security environment.

Turkey, he concluded, will continue shaping its foreign policy with a forward-looking perspective to maintain regional and global stability.