Russian Defence Minister discusses with Turkish counterpart the situation in Ukraine

 Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed with his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar the situation in Ukraine, as well as humanitarian issues.

The Ministry of Defence said in a statement published today: "A telephone call was made on May 2, 2022 between Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar at the initiative of the Turkish side."

"During the call, the current situation in Ukraine, as well as humanitarian issues, were examined."

Ankara: Our constant contacts with Moscow and Kiev

• Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he was in constant contact with the Russian.

• and Ukrainian Defence Ministries about the evacuation of Turks and other civilians from Mariupol, Ukraine.

• Akar added that Turkish forces were ready to confront the threat of naval mines in the Black Sea.

Putin signs a law banning Russian banks from sending information about their customers to countries that impose sanctions on Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law prohibiting Russian banks from sending information about their customers and transactions to the competent authorities of countries that impose sanctions on Russia, its citizens or their organizations.

1. The text of the new law was published on its website on Sunday.
2. The Act aims to reduce the risks associated with foreign States' adoption of laws aimed at obtaining from Russian credit institutions
3. under threat of sanctions, information that represents bank secrets.

At the beginning of 2021, the United States passed a law requiring financial institutions in the Russian Federation, under threat of sanctions, to provide the U.S. authorities with any personal information required, including bank secrecy.

Chaushoglu: Turkey is considering organizing a joint visit of leaders of several countries to Moscow to resolve the Ukrainian crisis

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Chawusoglu announced that Ankara was considering the possibility of organizing a joint visit of leaders of several countries to Moscow in order to explore a solution to the Ukrainian crisis.

• "Venezuela is in a good relationship with Russia. Brazil and Venezuela have both said that the war must be stopped.

• The President of Brazil said that if it was beneficial to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he could organize a joint visit to Moscow with the leaders of several countries.

•  We have said that we want to contribute to this effort. We shall consider this matter and provide an answer ".

On the supply of weapons to the Baltic States, the Turkish Foreign Minister stressed that "NATO's position is clear." The Alliance would not interfere in Ukraine's conflict.

 "But if there is even a small attack on any ally, we will respond appropriately," he said.

"Our President is negotiating with the two leaders," Chawusoglu emphasized. Erdogan's only goal was to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and build bridges between Putin and Zelensky.

 "We continue our efforts sincerely. Our President shall contact them when necessary and shall contact them. "