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The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that it has "noticed" Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's comments, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasizing the importance of the non-proliferation regime.
"We have, of course, noticed this statement," Peskov told reporters during a briefing when asked about Fidan's comments.
"There is the non-proliferation regime, and of course, this is the cornerstone of nuclear security," Peskov added.
The Kremlin spokesman's reference to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) came as a pointed reminder of international commitments.
During an appearance on Turkish media outlet CNN Turk's program hosted by Ahmet Hakan on late Monday, Feb. 9, Fidan was asked directly: "Should Türkiye possess nuclear weapons?"
The foreign minister gave no verbal response.
When Hakan reminded him, "You can say 'no comment,'" Fidan responded only with a smile and maintained his silence.
Faced with the minister's refusal to give a clear "yes" or "no" answer, Hakan said, "Okay, I'm moving on" and closed the topic.
Hakan then rephrased his question: "While everyone is working hard to acquire nuclear weapons, I think we shouldn't just stand idle."
Fidan responded: "These are, of course, certain strategic, high-level matters. These are issues that need to be considered within the broad, big picture."
Hakan concluded the exchange by saying, "I give up, okay."
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