Bilkent University International Relations Society hosted the Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar in a Seminar on Russian Aggression Against Ukraine and Turkish-Ukrainian Partnership on February 13, 2024.
The seminar began with Ambassador Bodnar focusing on the topics of Russian alteration of history which can be evidently observed in Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Russian Federation’s interventionist policy in Europe, which was exemplified by Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Additionally, the seminar covered the issue of Russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014. The Ambassador mentioned that even the Russo-speaking regions were harmed as a result of Russian acts. The case of Kharkiv during 2014 and 2015 was given as an example, as Kharkivites suffered from demonstrations turning into separatist unrest along with several bombings.
The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of Turkish business in Ukraine and the partnership between Turkey and Ukraine, particularly in the defense industry. During the Ambassador’s speech, the influential contribution of Ukrainian companies as engine providers for Turkish UAVs was discussed, as well as the impact of these UAVs during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ambassador also acknowledged Turkey’s sophisticated diplomatic relations with Russia, putting an emphasis on Turkey’s efforts to mediate between the two parties.
The Ambassador also expressed their opinion that the war might potentially continue for an extended period of time by stating that if Russia were to step down, it would be the end of the war, and if Ukraine were to stop, it would lead up to the breakup of the country.
The seminar concluded with the Ambassador stressing the significance of avoiding revanchism and striving for peace whilst also advocating for a just and fair punishment for those responsible for the invasion.
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