ISTANBUL (Reuters – Ukraine works with NATO member Turkey most effectively for greater support against Russia’s invasion and also understands – although it isn’t happy about – Ankara’s parallel ties towards Moscow.

Ankara criticised the invasion, and it sold drones for Kyiv in defiance of Russian objections. However, it opposed Western sanctions on Moscow and kept a carefully crafted rhetoric refraining to accuse any country in the conflict. This is despite reports that there were war crimes committed by some parts of Ukraine.

“We would love it if Turkey accepted the sanctions” to reduce Russian flights. Foreign journalists were told by the diplomat on Friday, under anonymity: “But we know this reality.”

“…Instead critiquing Turkey, we are working alongside the Turkish side as many as possible and not demanding anything that is impossible,” the individual said. Noting that Turkey had still managed to get together officials from Russia and Ukraine for peace talks, the person continued.

Turkey is a country that heavily relies on Russian tourists and energy imports. Many have made investments in Turkish properties as a refuge for Russians who are fleeing the fallout of sanctions.

A diplomat mentioned data that more than 100,000 Russians arrived in Turkey to seek residence papers since the start of war. According to the diplomat, 85,000 Ukrainians also arrived during that time. About 47,000 have now moved on or have returned to their homeland.

The diplomat stated that Turkey also prohibited some Russian warships transiting the Black Sea straits from Turkey, thus “saving” Ukraine’s coast city of Odessa. This was in response to Russian aggressions.

The diplomat stated that some Russian ships are still in transit and may bring supplies from Syria. He added: “We ask the Turkish side for information on what they’re bringing to Russia from Syria.”

Turkey is opposed to Russia’s actions in Syria, Libya and the 2014 annexe of Crimea. However, Turkey has purchased Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. Ankara was then subject to U.S. sanctions from December 2020.