Kremlin Disagrees With President Erdogan's Statement On Crimean Return To Ukraine

JAKARTA - Russia completely disagrees with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks regarding the return of Crimea control to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

President Erdogan said this week Turkey's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence was immovable, with Crimean returns taken by Russia from Ukraine and annexed in 2014 being an international legal requirement.

When asked about President Erdogan's statement, Peskov said Crimea's topic "is included in the dispute category between us and our Turkish friends.

"Here we have very different opinions. At the same time, we are not neglecting intentional attempts to explain to our Turkish friends and colleagues about our point of view and position," he said.

Peskov further said President Erdogan was under pressure from the United States for his close economic ties to Moscow.

"Regarding Turkey's efforts to reduce US pressure, the US has indeed put pressure that is not covered up on the Turkish Republic, not avoiding intimidation, with consequences for the Turkish economy," Peskov said.

Earlier, the Kremlin said this week President Vladimir Putin might visit Turkey to negotiate with President Erdogan after preparations were completed.

Turkey, which is a NATO member, has played an important role as an intermediary for Russia and Ukraine during their 2.5-year conflict, including arranging the Ukrainian wheat export deal.

President Erdogan told President Putin at a summit in Kazakhstan in July that Ankara could help end the conflict, but the Kremlin has not responded to the Turkish leader's offer.