Turkey is not going to join the sanctions for Russia, despite the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, said the Turkish foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

"We are not obliged to join the EU sanctions on Russia ", - quotes Agency DPA excerpts from an interview with the President of the German newspaper die Zeit, the Full text of which will be posted on Thursday.

As the Minister noted that Russia is an important financial partner of Turkey." for this reason We will not be participating in the (anti -) sanctions. If necessary, We will take their own measures, " added the President.

according to him, the European Union implements its own punishment for Russia is not the most persistently, business Relations with Russia continue." Whether Germany and other European countries to refuse the supply of gas from Russia? Let us be realistic, every country should take into account their own desires, " said the Minister.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine. At the end of July last year, the EU and the US from point penalties against private individuals and organizations turned to measures against entire sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia has restricted the import of food items from countries that have introduced in relation to penalties: USA, EU, Canada, Australia and Norway.


The US and EU do not recognize the annexation of Crimea to Russia and accuse Moscow of interfering in Ukraine. Russia denies it and calls the accusations are unacceptable. Western countries since March has repeatedly imposed punishment on a number of Russian politicians, businessmen and organizations and threatened to make wider restrictive measures. The last case of the use of such practices began in September punishment.

A complete list of Russian Citizens and organizations who are under punishment, -

sections: Politics