The aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea have led to the fact that the Black Sea region becomes a zone of instability. It is impossible to change the situation without the de-occupation of Crimea and the cessation of Russia's war against Ukraine.

“From what we see, the Black Sea is not a region of cooperation now, but a region of instability. And that's because one of our neighbors, the Russian Federation, violated international law and invaded sovereign Ukraine," political director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksiy Makeyev said in a commentary to Turkish news agency Anadolu.

He stressed that 7.2% of Ukraine's territory is occupied by Russia so every effort should be made to force Russia to take a step back to restore stability and security in the region.

"It is impossible until Russia de-occupies Crimea and stops the war against Ukraine. We are neighbors, and there will be no stability for the countries of the region if no peace is achieved," he added.

The diplomat underscored Turkey's important role in the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

"Turkey plays an absolutely crucial role in the international policy of non-recognition of this occupation," Makeyev said.

On November 5, Ukraine-Turkey consultations were held in Ankara. The issues of bilateral cooperation, world and regional agenda were discussed, in particular the threat to regional security posed by the Russian Federation. Yesterday, the Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey held a telephone conversation about the preparation for the next meeting of the high-level strategic council, the preparation for the conclusion of the Ukraine-Turkey Free Trade Agreement.

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