Turkey's Foreign Ministry: We Do Not Recognize Russia's Annexation of Crimea

Turkey's position on the illegal annexation of Crimea remains unchanged. The country recognizes Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This was stated in a text of the Turkish Foreign Ministry's statement published today in connection with the anniversary of Crimea's annexation.

The Foreign Ministry of Turkey recalled that 10 years ago, on March 16, 2014, an illegal referendum took place, through which the Autonomous Republic of Crimea of Ukraine was seized by the Russian Federation.

"We will continue to closely monitor developments in Crimea and one of its crucial aspects – the situation of Crimean Tatar Turks, which is a priority on our agenda," the Foreign Ministry's statement reads.

Ankara reaffirms that it does not recognize the current situation, which constitutes a violation of international law, and expresses its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.