Ukraine's Ambassador to Ankara, Nariman Dzhelal, said that Ukraine's resistance prevented the implementation of Russian plans to expand influence in the region, including in relation to the Turkic republics and Turkey.

In an interview with Turkiye Gazetesi, he noted that Ukraine thwarted Russia's plans to quickly seize the country, which allowed Azerbaijan to regain control over Karabakh and the Syrian people to continue their resistance.

"If Moscow had not gotten bogged down in Ukraine, its next goal would have been the Turkic republics, as well as full control over the Caucasus," the diplomat is sure.

He also warned that Russia's plans still include control over the straits and even the occupation of Istanbul, which poses a direct threat to Turkey.

Former Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Nariman Dzhelal previously lived in Crimea. He was arrested in 2021 on suspicion of blowing up a gas pipeline in the village of Perevalnoye on orders from Ukrainian intelligence. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison. The defendant did not admit his guilt. Two other defendants in the case, brothers Asan and Aziz Akhtemov, were sentenced to 15 and 13 years in prison, respectively.

In June 2024, Ukraine returned Nariman Dzhelal as part of the exchange process with the Russian Federation. He was later appointed ambassador to Turkey.