ANKARA (Reuters), – President Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Monday that Turkey cannot abandon its ties to Russia or Ukraine amid Moscow’s invasion. He also said Ankara would establish a pact for passage out of its straits in order to avoid an escalation.

NATO allies Turkey and Turkey also called Russia’s invading force a war Sunday, allowing them to invoke Articles under the 1936 international agreement which will restrict some Russian vessels from Turkish straits. Turkey has strong ties to Russia and Ukraine, and shares a maritime boundary with them both.

Erdogan spoke out after a cabinet meeting and criticised America’s “indecisive” approach to Ukraine’s invasion. Erdogan said the move was indicative of an international failing order.

He stated that Turkey would not be willing to compromise on its commitments with its alliances (including NATO), but could not be rebuffed about its “national interest” in the region. He reiterated that he considered the Russian invasion unacceptable.