Akar talks with counterparts about Russia-Ukraine war

Türkiye's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar spoke over the phone in line with diplomatic efforts with his colleagues from Russia and Ukraine as well as the United Kingdom amid rising violence in the war and concerns about the use of unconventional weapons.

Akar had his first phone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu late on Oct. 23, the Defense Ministry said in a statement, which informed that the two colleagues have discussed bilateral and regional defense and security matters.

They also discussed ways to avoid provocations that would further endanger the security situation in the region and agreed to stay in communication and cooperation against any sort of such initiatives in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, it added.

Akar told Shoigu that Türkiye remains to be ready to do its best for a ceasefire and establishment of peace in the region as was expressed many times by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Shoigu, for his part, conveyed Moscow's "concerns about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb,'" the Russian ministry said. The Russian minister also talked on the same matter with French, British and American defense ministers over the weekend. All three ministers denounced Shoigu's claims in a written statement. Ukraine also denied Russia's claims.

Akar discusses matter with Ukrainian colleague

Akar separately discussed the developments and Russia's claims with his colleagues from Ukraine, Oleksiy Reznikov, and the United Kingdom, Ben Wallace, early Oct. 24, his office said. The statement said Akar and his counterparts exchanged information and opinion about the latest developments in the war. It did not provide further details.

Ankara has increased its...