Erdogan criticizes opposition leader Kilicdaroglu for latter's anti-Russia rhetoric

Ankara will not support Western countries in imposing sanctions against Russia and its President Vladimir Putin.

The statement came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking at a rally in Sivas province on May 23, reports Anadolu.

Erdogan's statement was made in response to the remarks by the presidential candidate - the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who promised to impose tough sanctions against Moscow if he came to power.

The Turkish leader also stressed that he maintains positive contacts with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

“Mr Kemal (Kilicdaroglu) is not happy that I maintain good relations with Mr Putin. He says: 'I will obey the orders of the West, I will impose sanctions on Putin.' You absolutely do not understand politics, Mr Kemal, go on vacation,” said Erdogan.

He added that thanks to this factor, Türkiye can act as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine.

Erdogan noted that he stands for maintaining a positive attitude in Ankara's policy towards Russia, the United Statesç and other Western countries, as well as China.

Erdogan and Kilicdaroglu will lock horns in the final showdown of the presidential elections on May 28.

The runoff polls came after none of the presidential hopefuls managed to get 50 per cent of the votes in the first round on May 14, which is enough to win the elections based on the Turkish Constitution.

Back then, Erdogan won 49.51 per cent of the votes, while Kilicdaroglu got 44.88 per cent, and other candidates Sinan Ogan - 5.17 per cent and Muharrem Ince - 0.43 per cent.

Analysts claim Erdogan to edge Kilicdaroglu in the second round of the elections on May 28 after Sinan Ogan announced this week that he would support the incumbent Turkish leader.