Russia could participate in Turkey's plans to build new nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace, Russian Ambassador to Ankara Sergei Vershinin has said in an interview with Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet.
Vershinin said Turkey was planning two additional nuclear facilities following the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, one in Sinop and another in Thrace.
“Russia and Rosatom can contribute to this long-term process,” he said.
Russia targets 2026 start for Akkuyu unit
The Russian ambassador said Moscow's objective was for the first unit of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant to begin operating by the end of 2026.
He described Turkey as a “key and reliable partner” for Russia in the energy sector.
The Akkuyu plant, located in southern Turkey, is being built by Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom.
Russia and Turkey in contact over Black Sea security
Turning to the Black Sea, Vershinin said Moscow and Ankara remained in continuous contact over maritime security.
He attributed the escalation of attacks in the region to Ukraine, reflecting the Russiangovernment's position on the conflict.
Asked about the possibility of Turkey selling heavy military equipment to Ukraine, Vershinin reiterated Russia's position that the shipment of weapons does not contribute to achieving a peaceful settlement.
Envoy declines to comment on S-400 systems
Vershinin did not answer a question from Cumhuriyet about the possibility of Turkey transferring its Russian-made S-400 air defence systems to the United Arab Emirates.
The S-400 issue has been a longstanding point of contention in Turkey's relations withits NATO allies, following Ankara's purchase of the Russian system.
Source: CNA
