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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that U.S. President Joe Biden's recent decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles could prolong or escalate the war in Ukraine.
He also warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin's potential decision to use nuclear weapons might bring the world closer to another war.
"From the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, we have advocated for peace through diplomacy, not more weapons, bloodshed and tears," Erdogan emphasized.
He warned that Biden's move risks provoking stronger reactions from Russia, referencing President Vladimir Putin's approval of a doctrine allowing nuclear responses to ballistic missile attacks.
Erdogan raised concerns that the missile authorization could bring the world closer to a devastating war. He described the decision as reflective of a "deluge after me" approach, noting: "This path leads nowhere."
He called on all parties to avoid provocations and maintain calm, likening any misstep to "throwing a spark into a powder keg." Erdogan urged caution to prevent the conflict from spiraling into greater instability.
We neither find this decision correct nor approve of it. From the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war, we have believed it can only end through more peace efforts, goodwill, and diplomacy—not more weapons, bloodshed, and tears.
Biden's move can be interpreted as an attempt to escalate and prolong the conflict rather than resolve it. This decision will provoke a stronger reaction from Russia, as President Putin has already approved a doctrine allowing for a nuclear response if his country suffers ballistic missile attacks.
All this could bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and devastating war. The "After me, the deluge" approach leads nowhere.
We hope both Ukraine and Russia will avoid provocations, maintain calm, and focus on peace. Any misstep in this volatile environment—any provocation—would be akin to throwing a spark into a powder keg.
Therefore, I urge everyone to act with caution.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference on the sideline of a EU summit in Brussels, on October 17, 2024. (AFP Photo)
US President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. (AFP Photo)" alt="Kremlin confirms US-Russia crisis hotline inactive amid rising tensions">
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference on the sideline of a EU summit in Brussels, on October 17, 2024. (AFP Photo)US President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the National Veterans Day Observance at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery on November 11, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. (AFP Photo)
President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks have drawn attention in Türkiye, particularly regarding a secretary of state nominee known for anti-Türkiye and anti-Palestinian rhetoric. Erdogan responded with cautious optimism, stating, "We must build relations between actions, not prejudices."
While Trump has pledged to end wars, Erdogan stressed it is premature to judge how his administration will address the Middle East.
Türkiye plans to assess the new U.S. administration's policies and adjust its strategies accordingly.
Erdogan expressed hope that Trump's promise to end wars would translate into meaningful actions, creating a peaceful environment in conflict zones like the Middle East. Türkiye remains prepared to engage constructively with the U.S., focusing on mutual interests and regional stability.
We cannot build our relations on prejudices. We must act cautiously and carefully. Although President-elect Trump says he will end wars, it is too early to draw conclusions about the new era.
We will see how the U.S. approaches the Middle East under Trump's administration once he takes office. Our priority will be to advance Türkiye-U.S. relations in line with our national interests.
We are analyzing Trump's cabinet members and their potential approaches, and preparing accordingly.
What people say or think before coming to power matters, but their actions after assuming office are what truly count. Based on tangible steps, we will take our actions and decisions accordingly.
We want to believe in Trump's rhetoric about ending wars and expect him to act on it. If the U.S. pursues a peace-driven approach, it can create a new environment for ending conflicts in our region.
We hope to see developments aligned with our positive expectations and to address our problems one by one. Our stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Israel issue, and the Middle East is clear. We have communicated our views and determination regarding regional peace to them through diplomatic channels and will continue to do so in the future.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard waves as she arrives to speak during a campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 4, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
(FILES) US Republican presidential hopeful and former US President Donald Trump greets US Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) during a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 19, 2024. - President-elect Donald Trump said he has offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations, in comments to US media late on November 10, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on November 12, 2024, his intention to nominate former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. (AFP Photo)" alt="Erdogan says Biden, Putin's latest steps on Ukraine may bring world closer to another war">
Former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard waves as she arrives to speak during a campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 4, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)(FILES) US Republican presidential hopeful and former US President Donald Trump greets US Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) during a campaign event in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 19, 2024. - President-elect Donald Trump said he has offered Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik the job of US ambassador to the United Nations, in comments to US media late on November 10, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on November 12, 2024, his intention to nominate former governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel. (AFP Photo)
Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's unwavering stance against terrorism, highlighting ongoing efforts to eliminate threats along its borders. He criticized the U.S. support for PKK/PYD/YPG factions in northern Syria, calling for their removal.
"We cannot tolerate threats to our national security. Clearing northern Syria of terrorist elements is critical not only for us but also for Syria," Erdogan stated.
He described the instability caused by the Syrian civil war as a "swamp" attracting terrorist organizations and vowed to continue counterterrorism operations.
Türkiye remains prepared for shifts in U.S. policies, including the potential withdrawal of American forces from Syria. "As for the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, Türkiye is prepared for any new developments," Erdogan said.
President Erdogan also emphasized that national security is Türkiye's top priority, supported by an ongoing dialogue with Russia to ensure regional stability.
We are determined to eradicate terrorism from our history. We have zero tolerance for organizations that pose national security threats to our country from across the border.
We have conveyed this unequivocally to all our counterparts in the past and will do so to new counterparts as well.
Northern Syria is occupied by the PKK/PYD/YPG, which is supported by the U.S. This region is critical not just for us but for Syria as well. Clearing the PKK/PYD/YPG from this area is also crucial for the Syrian government.
The Syrian civil war has created deep instability in our neighbor’s territory. This instability, like a swamp, attracts terrorist organizations beyond our borders. While we are doing our part to drain this swamp, the Syrian government must do the same.
We are actively combating the "flies" in this swamp. We cannot afford to wait for the swamp to dry up while these threats persist.
We will continue our fight against terrorism.
As for the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, Türkiye is prepared for any new developments. National security is our top priority and comes before everything else.
We are also in discussions with Russia to ensure this situation is managed to benefit the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
ANKARA, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 15: Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. Professional soldiers serving in the Land, Naval and Air Forces apply to the Turkish Special Forces Command on a voluntary basis and undergo a training process. After completing their training, in which physical and psychological resilience is tested, the personnel are subjected to new trainings according to their designated areas of specialization. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )
Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerinin (TSK) en seçkin birliği olan ve halk arasında "bordo bereliler" olarak bilinen Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı personeli, aldığı "paramedik" seviyesindeki eğitim sayesinde adeta hayat kurtarıyor. Doğrudan Genelkurmay Başkanlığı'na bağlı olarak teşkil edilen Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı, "Durum ve şartlar ne olursa olsun teslim ve esarete düşmek düşünülemez, şahadet esastır." düsturuyla yüksek riskli ve gizli operasyonların yürütülmesini sağlıyor. Kara, Deniz ve Hava Kuvvetleri'nde görev yapan profesyonel askerlerin gönüllülük esasına göre başvurduğu Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı'nda zorlu bir eğitim süreci gerçekleştiriliyor. Başarısız olanların birliğine geri döndüğü zorlu eğitim kapsamında, bu seçkin birlikte yer almak isteyen Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri personelinin fiziki ve psikolojik dayanıklılıkları da test ediliyor. Zorlu eğitimi tamamlayan personel daha sonra belirlenen uzmanlık alanlarına göre yeni eğitimlere tabii tutuluyor. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )
ANKARA, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 15: Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. Professional soldiers serving in the Land, Naval and Air Forces apply to the Turkish Special Forces Command on a voluntary basis and undergo a training process. After completing their training, in which physical and psychological resilience is tested, the personnel are subjected to new trainings according to their designated areas of specialization. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )" alt="Erdogan says Biden, Putin's latest steps on Ukraine may bring world closer to another war">
ANKARA, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 15: Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. Professional soldiers serving in the Land, Naval and Air Forces apply to the Turkish Special Forces Command on a voluntary basis and undergo a training process. After completing their training, in which physical and psychological resilience is tested, the personnel are subjected to new trainings according to their designated areas of specialization. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerinin (TSK) en seçkin birliği olan ve halk arasında "bordo bereliler" olarak bilinen Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı personeli, aldığı "paramedik" seviyesindeki eğitim sayesinde adeta hayat kurtarıyor. Doğrudan Genelkurmay Başkanlığı'na bağlı olarak teşkil edilen Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı, "Durum ve şartlar ne olursa olsun teslim ve esarete düşmek düşünülemez, şahadet esastır." düsturuyla yüksek riskli ve gizli operasyonların yürütülmesini sağlıyor. Kara, Deniz ve Hava Kuvvetleri'nde görev yapan profesyonel askerlerin gönüllülük esasına göre başvurduğu Özel Kuvvetler Komutanlığı'nda zorlu bir eğitim süreci gerçekleştiriliyor. Başarısız olanların birliğine geri döndüğü zorlu eğitim kapsamında, bu seçkin birlikte yer almak isteyen Türk Silahlı Kuvvetleri personelinin fiziki ve psikolojik dayanıklılıkları da test ediliyor. Zorlu eğitimi tamamlayan personel daha sonra belirlenen uzmanlık alanlarına göre yeni eğitimlere tabii tutuluyor. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )ANKARA, TURKIYE - NOVEMBER 15: Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. Professional soldiers serving in the Land, Naval and Air Forces apply to the Turkish Special Forces Command on a voluntary basis and undergo a training process. After completing their training, in which physical and psychological resilience is tested, the personnel are subjected to new trainings according to their designated areas of specialization. ( Erçin Ertürk - Anadolu Agency )
Türkiye has been ranked as the world’s top donor relative to its gross domestic product for three consecutive years, according to a U.K.-based report. Erdogan attributed this to Türkiye's emphasis on global solidarity and humanitarian values, stating: "Our efforts are based on a human-centric approach, not geographical or historical ties."
Erdogan called for developed nations to increase their contributions to combat global poverty, criticizing the disproportionate use of resources by Western countries. He noted, "Western countries lagging behind Türkiye in humanitarian aid reflects global inequality."
During the G20 Summit in Brazil, Erdogan reiterated his vision for a fairer world. He highlighted the urgency of reforming global governance institutions, warning that inaction would lead to irreversible damage.
"Governance reform is vital," Erdogan emphasized, urging nations to prioritize equity and justice in addressing systemic issues.
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