Turkey asserts that Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine is a response to Western threats.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the West should consider Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, reflecting Moscow’s capacity and right to defend itself against perceived threats.
Russia unveiled proposed changes to its strategic deterrence policy in September, amidst Ukraine’s requests for authorization to use Western weapons for long-range strikes on Russian territory. The new doctrine was formally adopted on Tuesday, shortly after Ukrainian forces, using US-supplied missiles, targeted the Bryansk Region.
“I believe Russia’s statement is primarily a reaction to the stance adopted against it, regarding the use of conventional weapons,” Erdogan said Tuesday at a press conference following the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.
“This matter requires consideration by NATO officials. Russia possesses both the right and capability to protect itself and take defensive measures; it was compelled to do so,” Erdogan added.
Erdogan affirmed that NATO members share the same right to self-defense but emphasized that “a nuclear war has no benefits.”
Multiple US media outlets reported over the weekend that President Joe Biden had lifted restrictions on Kyiv’s use of US-supplied rockets. While the White House hasn’t confirmed or denied these reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed their accuracy on Tuesday.
President Vladimir Putin warned the West that Kyiv’s use of long-range missiles would escalate the Russia-Ukraine conflict and directly involve NATO.
The US and its allies have provided nearly $200 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, while maintaining that this doesn’t constitute direct participation in the conflict. Despite being a NATO member, Turkey hasn’t imposed sanctions on Russia and maintains relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s proximity to both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing Ankara’s need to preserve its bilateral ties with both nations, all sharing the Black Sea border.
“I hope for a swift and definitive ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, securing the peace the world eagerly awaits,” he added.
Turkey hosted initial negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in March 2022. This process stalled after the West signaled unwavering support for Kyiv and a reluctance to reconcile with Moscow.