Wed Nov 20 16:26:40 UTC 2024: ## Erdogan Condemns US Approval of ATACMS Missiles for Ukraine, Warns of Wider Conflict
**Istanbul, November 20, 2024** – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned the US decision to allow Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against targets within Russia, warning that this move could escalate the conflict and bring the world to the brink of a major war.
Speaking to reporters following the G20 summit in Rio, Erdogan described the US policy shift as a “big mistake” that risks fueling the conflict and prolonging it indefinitely. He expressed concern that Russia’s subsequent broadening of its nuclear weapons doctrine, allowing for nuclear retaliation in response to a large-scale conventional attack, could lead to disastrous consequences. Erdogan warned that even a minor miscalculation in the current volatile situation could have catastrophic results.
Erdogan’s comments come in response to Russia’s announcement on Tuesday, expanding the conditions under which it may use nuclear weapons. This move was immediately condemned by the US, the EU, and the UK as irresponsible. Erdogan urged NATO to carefully consider Russia’s revised nuclear policy, emphasizing the need for collective security measures in response to the escalating tensions.
While Turkey maintains friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, supplying Ukraine with drones while avoiding Western sanctions against Moscow, Erdogan’s statement underscores the growing international concern over the escalating conflict and the potential for wider implications. He highlighted Russia’s capacity for self-defense and called for similar precautions from NATO allies.
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