The humanitarian situation in Ukraine has been deteriorating on a daily basis and an urgent cease-fire is necessary to prevent this, Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said in Brussels on Wednesday, AzVision.az reports citing Daily Sabah. 

Noting that Turkey has been following a principled and consistent stance in Ukraine, Akar told journalists after attending a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels that Ankara has good relations with Moscow and Kyiv.

He highlighted the need for an immediate cease-fire, saying that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has frequently voiced the idea that Turkey fully supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

“The humanitarian situation is deteriorating and this needs to be prevented. A cease-fire is a must for this,” Akar said, noting that Turkish officials frequently voice this.

He also noted that Turkey will do whatever is possible to help the elderly, women and children affected by the ongoing war.

Akar also highlighted the importance of cooperation among NATO members in the face of threats.

“As NATO, we need to think carefully about the preservation of deterrence and defense, as well as the sustainability of our skills and potential in the short and long terms,” Akar said. He noted that Turkey has been fighting many terrorist groups, including the PKK, its Syrian offshoot the YPG, Daesh and the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ).

“We protect the European Union’s, Europe’s and NATO’s southeastern borders. What would happen to Europe If we do not wage the fight against terrorism, illegal migration?” Akar said, adding that Turkey’s counterterrorism fight does not only benefit the country but also its neighbors and allies.

Akar noted that he met with his American, British, French, Greek, Canadian and Latvian counterparts on the sidelines of the NATO meeting, all of which took place in a positive atmosphere.

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