Putin thanked Turkey for its commitment to resolving the Ukrainian crisis

Vladimir Putin received Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey Hakan Fidan in the Kremlin. Photo: Kremlin.ru.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, expressed gratitude to Ankara for its commitment to resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

“We note with gratitude mood of our Turkish friends,” said the Russian head of state, noting that Ankara has always been ready to contribute to the resolution of crisis situations, including around Ukraine.

The Russian leader recalled that Turkish President Recep Type Erdogan also played a significant role in concluding the grain deal in Ukraine. “It’s not our fault that, unfortunately, it was not extended,” he noted.

Putin added that Russia carefully and with great respect considers all Turkey’s initiatives on shipping in the Black Sea. 

The Russian head of state also said that he plans to meet with the President of Turkey at an international event on July 3-4 in Astana and discuss all current issues.