Ukrainian refugees confront Russian tourists in Turkey

Synopsis

The war in Ukraine has forced nearby Turkey to engage in a delicate balancing act, supporting Kyiv with drones while avoiding sanctions against Russia. In Istanbul, tensions rise as Ukrainian refugees and Russian tourists coexist. Since Russia's invasion in late February, Ukrainian protesters, including a 49-year-old woman, gather daily in the city center to honor the memory of children killed in the conflict, with at least 360 reported deaths. Many Ukrainians have sought refuge in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan courts Russian tourists, complicating the situation. This balancing act leads to confrontations, as seen in recent incidents where Russian tourists express disdain towards Ukrainian demonstrators. The protesters emphasize their cause, stating they are not there for trivial reasons but to raise awareness about the ongoing violence in Ukraine, including the tragic loss of children.