In an interview with mass media outlets, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov said Russia has never viewed Turkey as its strategic ally, adding that Turkey is viewed as a strategic partner.

Asked to what extent Turkey’s interference in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is lawful, Lavrov stated the following: “Russia doesn’t agree with Turkey’s position which, I essence, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has expressed a few times. There is no secret here. Russia can’t share the statement that there is a military solution to the conflict and that it is acceptable. Unfortunately, Turkey managed to do this and spoke out by saying that it will support any action that Azerbaijan takes for the settlement of the conflict, including military action. Russia is in touch with Turkish soldiers, and I have held a few talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Russia defends its view that a peaceful settlement is not only possible, but also the only way to ensure a sustainable solution to the issue.”

Lavrov also emphasized that it is necessary to avoid military clashes when solving any problem.