Erdogan Warns That He Will Not Allow the Opposition to Attack Russia and Putin

As Turkey approaches presidential elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan commented on opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu's statement regarding Russia's interference in Turkey's presidential elections and the dissemination of false information about candidates. Erdogan warned that he will not allow the opposition to attack Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

“Ankara's relations with Moscow are much better and no less important than with the U.S. Mr. Kemal also says that he will join the West's anti-Russian sanctions. Who are you to impose sanctions against Russia?” Erdogan emphasized, adding that Turkey and Russia have strong economic ties, and there is great potential for cooperation in the tourism sector.

Erdogan also addressed Kilicdaroglu's assertion that his team would implement a transportation project connecting Turkey to China, which aims to activate the Silk Road. Kilicdaroglu presented the implementation map for the project, indicating that the proposed route does not cross through the so-called “Zangezur corridor,” bypasses Azerbaijan, and runs through Iran.

Erdogan expressed concern that Kilicdaroglu intends to embarrass Turkey by disregarding Azerbaijan, stating that the Turkish people will not accept any project that could harm the brotherhood between Baku and Ankara.