What role will Crimean Tatars play in Russian-Turkish relations?
Observers wonder just how far Turkey is willing to stick out its neck to support Crimean Tatars during its quest to further reconcile with Russia.
There’s a lot at play these days between Turkey and Russia. It’s a relationship fraught with sticky situations and touchy subjects. Currently — at least until something else comes along tomorrow — one of the touchier issues is Crimea.
On March 18, Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement regarding the third anniversary of the Crimean referendum. “Three years have passed since Ukraine’s Autonomous Republic of Crimea was annexed by the Russian Federation on the grounds of an illegitimate referendum held on March 16, 2014. We reiterate that we do not recognize the de facto situation caused by this act, which is a clear violation of international law,” the statement said.
