Russian consul discusses elections, relations and Crimea in Istanbul address

Russian Federation's Consul General in Istanbul, Andrey Buravov answered questions about Russia and U.S. elections, as well as Russia-West relations and Israel's attacks on Gaza speaking to reporters on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"We have the opportunity to discuss various issues at various levels in an open manner. We attach great importance to the development of relations with Türkiye," Buravov said.

Buravov mentioned that the voter turnout in Russia's elections was 74%, with 87% of those voting for current President Vladimir Putin and that the vote counting was nearly completed.

Highlighting the importance of the election results for Russia's future and Russian-Turkish relations, Buravov stated: "The sincere dialogue between the leaders of our countries is crucial, as it greatly contributes to the development of our bilateral relations."

Regarding whether there would be any changes in Russia's policy after the elections, Buravov said Putin would provide the necessary response, adding: "We want to develop relations with countries that want to improve good and constructive relations with us."

Buravov emphasized that the relations with Türkiye are currently actively continuing, stating: "We have intense dialogue. We have the opportunity to discuss various issues at various levels in an open manner. We attach great importance to the development of relations with Türkiye."

'Ready to work with freely elected U.S. administration'

Regarding the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Buravov stated that Russia would prefer the re-election of current U.S. President Joe Biden, saying, "Statements have been made by our president. We are ready to work with the administration freely elected by the American people. If the other side is also ready."

'The West disregarded Russia's interests'

Buravov claimed that the decisions in February 1954 consenting to the transfer of Crimea to Ukraine, accepted by the executive and legislative bodies of the dissolved Soviet Socialist Republics Union (USSR), were contrary to the Russian Federation's constitution.

He noted that these events were the result of "the West, led by the United States, making it a rule to impose their own hegemonies and approaches," adding: "Despite all of Russia's objections, a NATO summit was held in Bucharest where the path for Ukraine and Georgia's entry into NATO was opened.

In 2008, the West, disregarding Russia's national interests, practically declared war on us."

Buravov argued that the West's stance provoked military escalation in South Ossetia and led to a coup in Ukraine in 2014.

Claiming that the Crimean people chose in favor of Russia, Buravov said: "I can say that in the referendum held on March 16, 2016, to join Russia after leaving Ukraine, 90% of the residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and 95% of the residents of Sevastopol approved."

Buravov stated that if negotiations for peace were to be held between Russia and Ukraine: "Crimea is not open for negotiation," highlighting that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had definitively emphasized this.

He mentioned that the war did not go the way Western countries wanted, and there were increasing hesitations about sending aid to Ukraine, so Western countries were trying to stir things up by making statements like sending troops to support Ukraine.

Russia's stance on Gaza

Addressing the situation in Gaza, Buravov stated that Russia advocates for a two-state solution in Palestine and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Buravov also added that the United States blocked steps for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and for a cease-fire at the United Nations.

Source: Newsroom