It’s not always that Russia’s and Turkey’s positions match, particularly in regard to the current situation in the South Caucasus. We believe that such issues need to be solved through diplomacy, not by force or with weapons. This is what President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin declared during a meeting held at Valdai Debate Club.

“Yes, of course, it is safe to say that negotiations have been going on for the past 30 years, and there is no result, but in my opinion, this doesn’t mean shooting has to begin,” he stated.

“This is the consistent position [of the President of Turkey], he recognizes neither Crimea nor Nagorno-Karabakh, but what can Russia do? It is necessary to work with everyone, be patient and prove to everyone that Russia’s position is right, and we will defend it. Wherever our positions and approaches don’t match, we need to seek mutual concessions,” Putin said.