JAKARTA - Turkey's sale of the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to Ukraine is not a form of assistance, it is a product that Ukraine bought from a Turkish company, Deputy Foreign Minister Yavuz Selim Kıran said.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is entering its second week, Turkey is trying to maintain a neutral and balanced position by keeping communications with all parties open.
On the other hand, Turkey's use of drones in Ukraine against Russian troops has made headlines in the international media.
"Private defense industry companies can make such agreements with countries. These countries have no binding nature. This is not assistance from Turkey. They are products purchased by Ukraine from Turkish companies. Moreover, Ukraine is not the only country buying Bayraktar TB2. Everyone is queuing to get drones," said Kıran commenting on the matter, as quoted from Daily Sabah in March.
"The fact that (the Bayraktar drone) stands out as one of the most deterrent elements of the Ukrainian army, actually shows the success and quality of the products produced by our company. It is not our job to evaluate the discussion. We will not lose our position negotiating with both sides," he added.
It is known that Kyiv had initially purchased around 20 Bayraktar TB2 drones. Apart from Ukraine, producer company Baykar has signed sales deals with several other countries, including Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Poland, which in May last year became the first EU and NATO member state to acquire drones from Turkey. Many other countries are also hinting to buy UAVs.
The Bayraktar TB2, with its completely nationally designed and developed submarine electronics, software, aerodynamics, design, and systems, stands out among the world's most advanced UAV systems in its class with its flight automation and performance.
Maintaining its neutral and balanced stance, Turkey continued its diplomatic efforts to defuse the Ukraine conflict, urging all sides to exercise restraint.
While Ankara opposes international sanctions aimed at isolating Moscow, it also closed the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits under a 1936 pact, which allowed it to curb some Russian ships crossing the Turkish Strait.
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To note, NATO ally Turkey borders Ukraine and Russia on the Black Sea and has good relations with both. Since the beginning of the conflict, Ankara has offered to mediate between the two sides as well as host peace talks, also underlining its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
While recently calling the Russian invasion an unacceptable violation of international law, Turkey has carefully formulated its rhetoric not to offend Moscow, with which it has close energy, defense, and tourism ties.
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