Hulusi Akar: We continue our contacts to ensure ceasefire in Ukraine

"As the Turkish Armed Forces, we must be strong and be prepared for any eventuality," Turkiye's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.

"Both countries are our maritime neighbors. We have relations with both of them. We want this conflict to end as soon as possible, to ensure a ceasefire, to establish peace and stability in the region. Humanitarian aid," he said. We have done our best so far and will continue to do so. Our non-compliance with sanctions in any form is not a matter for discussion. We are complying with UN sanctions. We are also continuing our contacts to meet, discuss and ensure a ceasefire."

Akar also informed about the situation in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol and the evacuation of Turkish citizens there: "The evacuation continues. At the ministerial level, we continue our contact with Russia and Ukraine. We are working to evacuate innocent people there as soon as possible. We expect this to happen in the coming days and hours. We have two planes in Kyiv. We continue our contacts on evacuation with both sides at the most appropriate time."