The Kremlin says Turkey has a “legitimate right” to protect its security, after Ankara launched attacks on alleged Kurdish positions.
The Kremlin said Russia respected Turkey’s “legitimate” security concerns over Syria but said all parties there should avoid steps that could make the situation worse.
On Sunday, Turkish forces launched cross-border air strikes in northern Syria and Iraq on what they say is the location of Kurdish groups they blame on November 13 Bombing in central istanbulkilled six people.
On the same day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara could deploy ground forces.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday that while there are disagreements between Russia and Turkey over their approach to Syria, Moscow understands Turkey’s security concerns. .
“We understand and respect Turkey’s concerns about ensuring its own security. We believe this is a legal right of Turkey. At the same time, we call on all parties to refrain from taking steps that may lead to instability of the general situation,” he said.
Ankara blames the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Syrian Kurdish groups for the attack in Istanbul, which injured more than 80 people.
The Kurdish fighters have denied any involvement.
The Turkish Defense Ministry said the so-called Claw Sword operation – which included ground-fired weapons – killed 184 fighters and destroyed 89 targets including shelters, bunkers, caves and roads. tunnel.
Washington, like Moscow, called for de-escalation.
Russia backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the country’s 11-year war, while Ankara backs rebels fighting to oust him.
Kremlin’s call for gentle restraint comes as Ankara positions itself like a peacemaker between Moscow and Kiev during the Ukraine war, which began on 24 February with the invasion of Russia.
Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have enjoyed a warm relationship throughout the conflict, with frequent phone calls and meetings.
Turkey also has good relations with Ukraine, as a supplier of drones and other weapons.
