On November 24, 2024, Turkey demonstrated a constructive stance in combating the circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russia, collaborating with Ukraine and Western partners. Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar, who is set to lead the Ukrainian embassy in Poland, shared insights during an interview with Ukrinform.
Bodnar emphasized that issues related to sanction evasion are complex and cannot be resolved unilaterally by Turkish authorities. He noted ongoing effective cooperation, stating that all matters arising from sanction circumvention involving Turkish companies are subjects of official communications.
A special working group has been established to address these issues, with discussions held in Turkey. The ambassador reported a constructive attitude from Turkish officials, indicating a willingness to resolve problems rather than merely addressing their consequences.
Bodnar highlighted the significant influence of Western companies attempting to use Turkish territory for transit to Russia or Central Asia. He stressed the need for cooperation with the United States and the European Union, the primary players enforcing sanctions against Russia.
While acknowledging suspicions regarding some Turkish companies' collaboration with Russia, Bodnar clarified that Turkey is not a dominant facilitator in sanction evasion. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in relations with Turkey.
Potential areas for deepening cooperation include the reconstruction of Ukraine, leveraging the benefits of the Free Trade Agreement, developing capabilities in the defense industry, and implementing joint projects. Notably, Turkey has banned the export of American military equipment to Russia following warnings from Washington about potential consequences.