Ukrainian Ambassador Clarified Turkey’s Position on Cooperation with Russia Regarding Baykar

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, believes that Turkey's statements indicate an unwillingness to produce Bayraktars together with Russia.

"First, Haluk Bayraktar told CNN his company would never supply any Bayraktars to Russia. Second, President Erdoğan claimed Putin offered him to cooperate. But there were no promises or commitments. Erdoğan's spokesman İbrahim Kalın explained Putin mentioned it half-joking. Erdoğan simply smiled back. Later, the head of the State Agency for Defense Industry clarified nobody worked on equipment to produce Bayraktars or other aircraft with Russia," Radio NV quotes the ambassador.

He added that this issue contains "a certain emotional element." Still, it is important for Ukraine "that Turkey would be a reliable partner in implementing those projects and areas of cooperation that are strategically important for us. And it remains so to this day," Bodnar assured.

In July, at a central executive committee of the Justice and Development Party meeting, President Erdoğan allegedly announced that Russia and the United Arab Emirates were interested in producing Turkish Bayraktar drones.

In April, Russia complained to Turkey about the sale of Bayraktar  TB2 drones to Ukraine, which has become one of the most effective means of countering Russian aggression.