Turkey warns of World War III risks amid Ukraine and Gaza conflicts
The world should seriously consider the risk of World War III, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. "I think the world needs to take this scenario seriously," he added when asked about the situation in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
When asked whether the world should expect a significant war due to the situation in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, Hakan Fidan stated that "the world needs to take this risk seriously."
The minister also informed that Turkey is holding talks with all parties regarding the war in Ukraine, reported the Daily Sabah on Monday evening. Recently, Fidan visited Russia, where he met Vladimir Putin, among others.
During this meeting, the head of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed his country's position on Russia's war against Ukraine. Fidan pointed out that the war could bring enormous costs to the region and the entire world, especially in the context of the risk of its escalation and the possibility of using nuclear weapons.
"We told our counterparts that peace is fundamental regarding Ukraine and that Russia needs to clarify its position," Fidan said, indicating that after he met with Putin, the Russian president announced a list of peace conditions. Fidan assessed that "there is always room for negotiation" and that these talks should be supported. However, he believes this process is delayed due to elections in Europe and the USA.
Turkish minister on the risk of using nuclear weapons
Minister Fidan also expressed concerns about the risk of using nuclear weapons if the war continues. He pointed out that due to its location, Turkey is exposed to threats related to the war in Ukraine in the Black Sea region, as well as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Mediterranean Sea region.
Fidan also criticized the Cypriot authorities for allowing Israel to turn part of the island into an "operational base," reports Daily Sabah. "Regional players need to see the militarization of the island and prevent it," said the minister.
Last week, the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, threatened Cyprus that if it allows Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises, Hezbollah may consider it "part of the war" between Israel and Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, Cypriot authorities emphasized that the country is not involved in armed conflicts.
