Erdoğan, in answer to reporters’ questions, said: “NATO should have taken a more decisive step. We have held clear talks with Secretary-General Stoltenberg concerning this issue. During these talks, we have conveyed to them as well the stance we determined with regard to NATO’s stance.”

In answer to a question on today’s NATO summit, Erdoğan said: “We will convene at 17:00 today. We will see the leaders’ views at the meeting. Where we stand regarding NATO’s stance has been very clear so far. I mean it should not become a merry-go-round of condemnation. NATO should have taken a more decisive step. We have held clear talks with Secretary-General Stoltenberg concerning this issue. During these talks, we have conveyed to them as well the stance we determined with regard to NATO’s stance. During today’s meeting, we will see where all the leaders stand, and let them know about our stance.”

In answer to a question on the Turkish citizens in Ukraine, Erdoğan pointed out that the Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the issue, and said: “Our embassy and consulates stand ready to take all kinds of steps. Airlifting them is not safe right now. Therefore, our embassy and consulates are helping to transport them via land through safe areas. We have issued statements with regard to our citizens and students over there contacting our embassy and consulates.”

“The EU has failed to take a serious and determined stance”

Noting that the EU and other pro-Western organizations have failed to take a serious and determined stance, Erdoğan said: “They are giving plenty of advice to Ukraine. However, it is not possible to achieve anything with advices. What have you done, what are you doing or will do? Are you taking any steps? When you look at it, there are no steps being taken. During today’s NATO summit, we will discuss ‘what kind of steps are you taking or will we take on this issue.’ Otherwise, giving lots of advice, issuing plenty of condemnations, they should not turn it into a Karagoz-Hacivat play. The West has given plenty of advices so far, and continues to do so. I hope a more decisive stance will be displayed during today’s NATO summit. As you know, almost all the members of the EU are also NATO members. Without a determined stance, a situation emerges described by President Zelensky as ‘They are only giving us advice, no support,’ which is against friendship and solidarity.” (ILKHA)