2 Turkish humanitarian aid planes still stranded in Ukraine: Defense minister

2 Turkish humanitarian aid planes still stranded in Ukraine: Defense minister

Planes arrived 10 days ago to deliver humanitarian aid, evacuate nationals, still waiting at Boryspil airport due to closure of airspace

By Sarp Ozer

ISTANBUL (AA) - Two A400M Turkish aircraft which arrived in Ukraine the day the war began to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate Turkish citizens are still waiting at the airport, said the country's defense minister on Saturday.

"Two planes are currently waiting at Boryspil Airport due to the closure of the airspace after we got there. We continue our contacts with both Russia and Ukraine on this issue," Hulusi Akar Friday told reporters in Istanbul.

Noting that efforts are continuing to bring the planes back to Turkiye safely if is a cease-fire, Akar said: "Our aircrew are currently staying at our embassy. We will evacuate our planes at the first opportunity. We will also evacuate our citizens to Turkiye, if possible."

Asked about talks with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, Akar said Turkiye is in favor of "peace and dialogue."

"As the country with the longest coast on the Black Sea, we have supported peace, calm, and stability here from the very beginning," he added.

According to UN figures, at least 331 civilians have been killed and 675 injured in Ukraine since the start of the war on Feb. 24.

More than 1.2 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.


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