The threat to close the Bosphorus to Russia comes from a report by Hvylya, citing a Turkish diplomatic source. According to the source, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan yesterday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone and warned of the consequences for conflict with Ukraine. The Hvylya source was also reported on by UNIAN.
Concerns were also raised about the possible threat to ethnic Crimean Tatars in the region, citing recent murders and communications with Tatar leadership. Erdogan's call to Putin warned that if Russia invades Ukraine, and so-called 'Crimean self-defense' forces engage in violence against the Tatar minority, Turkey will be forced to close passage into the Black Sea to Russian ships.
Extranational protection of ethnic minorities was originally used as pretext for the Russian invasion of Crimea.
In a separate announcement, Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu, said Moscow was pursing "self-willed policy" in the region and urged Russia to respect the territorial integrity of its neighboring countries. "The security of Tatars is the main strategic priority for Turkey," he remarked. "Pandora's box should not be opened. If you create a de facto situation in Ukraine, this will have a domino effect on all the countries in the Eurasia region," Davutoglu said in televised remarks made the day of the Russian implemented referendum. |