“We attach great importance to the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including the territory of Crimea, the annexation of which we do not recognize,” Erdogan said at the general political debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
He also mentioned the protection of the rights of the Crimean Tatars.
On September 20, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that the elections to the State Duma in Crimea held on September 17-19, 2021 have no legal force for Ankara.
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Moscow paid attention to Ankara's statement and draws appropriate conclusions.
Crimea became a Russian region after a referendum was held there in March 2014 - the majority of residents were in favor of reunification with Russia.