Turkey says Russia's recognition of Ukraine breakaway regions 'unacceptable'

NATO member Turkey, which shares a maritime border with both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both its neighbours, and has offered to mediate the crisis, while warning Moscow against invading Ukraine. Ankara also opposes sanctions on Russia.

"The decision of Russia to recognise the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics amounts to a clear violation of not only the Minsk agreements, but also Ukraine's political unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We find Russia's so-called decision to be unacceptable and reject it," the ministry said, calling on all sides to respect international law.