Erdoğan warns of ‘new, bigger war’ after US missile decision

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gives a press conference during the G20 Leaders' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 19, 2024.

A recent decision by the United States to allow Ukraine to use the long-range American missiles against Russia may trigger a new and bigger war, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned, urging all relevant parties to act carefully and avoid provocations.

"First and foremost, we do not consider it a right decision, nor do we approve of it," Erdoğan said on a question about the Biden administration's decision to allow Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) against Russia, on his return from the G20 summit on Nov. 20.

Criticizing outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden for fueling and spreading the war between Russia and Ukraine, Erdoğan said this move has pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to amend his country's nuclear weapons doctrine.

"All these may bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and bigger war. Nothing can be achieved with the understanding of 'after me, the deluge.' Our expectation and wish is to see Russia and Ukraine focus on peace by keeping calm and avoid provocations," Erdoğan said.

The smallest mistake to be committed in this environment will be no different from throwing fire on a powder keg, the president said, urging everyone to act in the most careful way.

Türkiye to exert efforts for improving ties with US

On a question about President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint officials known with their anti-Türkiye stances to key positions, such as Marco Rubio as the Secretary of State, Erdoğan said "We cannot build our ties on prejudices. We have to be very sensitive on this."

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