80% of Turks 'neutral' to war between Russia and Ukraine

The Turkey Monitor survey by Aksoy Research shows a cautious attitude in public opinion. Only 2.4% take Russia's side, while 19.4% favour a NATO alignment. At least half of the voters of all parties show concern. Ankara's mediation attempts in the crisis. 

Istanbul (AsiaNews) - Almost 80% of Turks believe that the country should remain "neutral" in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, the vast majority is convinced that, in case of involvement, Turkey would end up suffering "negative" consequences from the conflict. 

The results of the latest Turkey Monitor survey carried out by Aksoy Research reveal more than 90% of respondents say they are "worried" about the military campaign launched by Moscow against Kiev. The survey, relaunched by the news website Bianet, shows that 78.2% of respondents think Ankara should remain "neutral". At the same time, only 2.4% said Turkey should take Russia's side, while 19.4% were in favour of aligning with the positions taken by the Atlantic Alliance (NATO) of which it is an integral part. 

75.2% said they were "very worried" about the war on Europe's doorstep, while only 9.5% said they did not fear any consequences for their country. The poll also shows that "at least half" of voters "of all parties" express fears.

When asked how the war would affect Turkey, 63.1% said "negatively/very negatively", 23.2% said it would not be affected and 13.6% said it would be "positively/very positively". The share of those who think the war will have beneficial effects on the nation is highest among voters of the ruling Justice and Development Party (Akp) and its nationalist ally (Mhp).

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently ordered the closure of the straits, but this move came too late because most of the Russian military ships supporting the offensive in Ukraine had already passed through. The Turkish government has also invited the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine, or ministerial delegations, to the Antalya diplomacy forum to be held from 11 to 13 March, while Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says he is in "constant contact" with his counterparts in Moscow and Kiev. 

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