Kılıçdaroğlu claimed that Russia was behind an online smear campaign targeting him before the crucial upcoming election.

In response, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, strongly rejected the allegations, stating that there was no basis for such claims and emphasized the importance of bilateral relations between Russia and Turkey.

“Türkiye has a very responsible, sovereign and thought-through position on a whole range of regional and global problems that we face,” Peskov said.

Russia and Turkey have maintained a close relationship during the Ukraine conflict, with President Erdogan often acting as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.

Kılıçdaroğlu's allegations came after another candidate withdrew from the race due to being targeted by an online smear campaign.

“Dear Russian friends, you are behind the montages, conspiracies, deep fakes and tapes that were exposed in this country yesterday,” Kılıçdaroğlu said on Twitter.

Kılıçdaroğlu also expressing a desire for continued cooperation and friendship after the election. (ILKHA)