Since the beginning of tensions in Eastern Europe and even today with the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Turkish president has been consistent and in favor of Ukrainian sovereignty, but it seems that at the moment he will not take steps that could provoke the "Russian bear". 

On the morning of the beginning of the attacks, Ukrainian President Zalansky called on Ankara to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles to prevent Russian warships from crossing the Black Sea. These straits that cross the European and Asian part of Istanbul connect the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

Erdogan has not yet responded to the Ukrainian demand. The movement in the straits is enshrined in a treaty signed in 1936 and it gives Turkey the right to close them to warships in a situation where Turkey feels threatened or in a state of war. By all indications, at the moment Turkey, which is a NATO member, is not close to the decision to close the straits, which would make things it difficult for the Russian navy.