Sweden & Finland will soon apply for NATO membership. There were apprehensions about Turkey not supporting their NATO bid. Now Turkey has laid down demands for NATO membership of two Nordic countries. “They need to stop supporting terrorist organisations. The defence industry restriction or the prohibitions on export permits imposed to an ally such as Turkey should definitely be lifted,” Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu said. Meanwhile, US & NATO are confident that Turkey will not impede membership.

Why did Turkey set demands on Finland & Sweden joining NATO?

While Finland has announced historic NATO membership bid, Turkey has raised objections objections to the Nordic nations bid. However, NATO chief is confident of resolving Turkey's concerns.

Ukraine war: Finland announces historic NATO membership bid, ditches military non-alignment

Turkey has slammed Sweden & Finland's NATO bid as Turkish President says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO move.

Erdogan says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO bid

In a major discovery, an underground Iron Age complex has been found in Turkey, media reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The ancient complex is yet to be fully probed as the structure is unstable. &nbsp;

It may have been used by a fertility cult during the first millennium BC, says a new study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/6-year-old-boy-looks-for-shells-with-father-on-uk-beach-discovers-rare-megalodon-tooth-477961" hreflang="en">6-year-old boy looks for shells with father on UK beach, discovers rare megalodon tooth</a>

The research was published in the journal ‘Antiquity’ on Wednesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the complex, archaeologists have found rare rock art drawings on walls, which show a procession of deities depicted in an Assyrian style. &nbsp;

"The finding bears witness to the exercise of Assyrian hegemony in the region in its early phases," Selim Ferruh Adalı, one of the authors of the study and associate professor, ancient history, Social Sciences University of Ankara, told Live Science. &nbsp;

"The wall panel contains a depiction of divine procession with previously unknown elements, with Aramaic writing to describe some of the deities while combining Neo-Assyrian, Aramaean and Syro-Anatolian divine iconography," Adalı added. &nbsp;

Watch | Vietnam: Exploring one of the largest caves in the world

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In 2017, the ancient underground complex was unearthed when looters found it beneath a two-storey house in Başbük village, Turkey. They had decided to target its treasures. But the plan was foiled by police, who notified the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, the area is under the legal protection of Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a major discovery, an underground Iron Age complex has been found in Turkey, media reports said. The ancient complex is yet to be fully probed as the structure is unstable.

In a major discovery, an underground Iron Age complex has been found in Turkey, media reports said. The ancient complex is yet to be fully probed as the structure is unstable. It may have been used by a fertility cult during the first millennium BC, says a new study. Also Read: 6-year-old boy looks for shells with father on UK beach, discovers rare megalodon tooth The research was published in the journal ‘Antiquity’ on Wednesday. In the complex, archaeologists have found rare rock art drawings on walls, which show a procession of deities depicted in an Assyrian style. "The finding bears witness to the exercise of Assyrian hegemony in the region in its early phases," Selim Ferruh Adalı, one of the authors of the study and associate professor, ancient history, Social Sciences University of Ankara, told Live Science. "The wall panel contains a depiction of divine procession with previously unknown elements, with Aramaic writing to describe some of the deities while combining Neo-Assyrian, Aramaean and Syro-Anatolian divine iconography," Adalı added. Watch | Vietnam: Exploring one of the largest caves in the world × In 2017, the ancient underground complex was unearthed when looters found it beneath a two-storey house in Başbük village, Turkey. They had decided to target its treasures. But the plan was foiled by police, who notified the Şanlıurfa Archaeological Museum. Currently, the area is under the legal protection of Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Major discovery: Iron Age complex found under house in Turkey village, says study

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has made life costlier for Turkish citizens. Turkey has registered 70% inflation in the month of April. 89.1% jump in food and non-alcoholic drinks prices were reported and house prices registered a 7.43 increase.

Turkey's inflation surges to 20-year high, 105.9% jump in transportation sector costs

Turks bear the brunt of rising cost of living, inflation stands at 70%

Turkey's annual inflation has jumped to nearly 70% in April, fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising commodity prices after a Lira crash late last year.

Turkey's inflation surges to 20-year high

How Ukraine's Harpoon, Neptune missiles and Bayraktar drones hit Moskva

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, signalling an end to the decade-long rift following the Arab Spring. Erdogan has shelved his hopes to lead the Islamic world amid a financial crisis back home. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Humbled Erdogan seeks funds in visit to Riyadh

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday (by local time) arrived in Saudi Arabia. This is Erdogan's first visit to Saudi Arabia after Saudi-critic Jamal Khashoggi killing in Turkey. Erdogan is hoping to start a new chapter in relations between the two countries. There have been intense efforts to repair relations.

Turkish presidency said that Erdogan met King Salma in an official ceremony in the city of Jeddah.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, attended the ceremony before having a one-on-one meeting with Erdogan, Ankara's communication office said on Twitter.

Erdogan's office says that his visit to Saudi Arabia has been at the invitation of the Saudi king. The visit marks the culmination of a months-long drive to mend ties that included dropping a trial over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018.

Analysts and officials say Saudi funding could help Turkey alleviate its economic woes, including soaring inflation, ahead of tough elections for Erdogan next year.

Bilateral relations were badly strained after Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018. At the time, Erdogan accused the "highest levels" of the Saudi government of giving the orders, but Ankara has since markedly softened its tone.

In a policy reversal, Turkey this month halted and transferred its own trial of the Saudi suspects in the killing to Saudi Arabia in a move condemned by human rights groups.

Erdogan, while speaking with reporters before departing for Jeddah that the visit was "the manifestation of our common will" to improve ties a

He added it would be mutually beneficial to boost cooperation in areas including health, energy, food security, defence industry, and finance.

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"With common efforts, I believe we will carry our ties even beyond where they were in the past," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday (by local time) arrived in Saudi Arabia. This is Erdogan's first visit to Saudi Arabia after Saudi-critic Jamal Khashoggi killing in Turkey.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday (by local time) arrived in Saudi Arabia. This is Erdogan's first visit to Saudi Arabia after Saudi-critic Jamal Khashoggi killing in Turkey. Erdogan is hoping to start a new chapter in relations between the two countries. There have been intense efforts to repair relations. Turkish presidency said that Erdogan met King Salma in an official ceremony in the city of Jeddah. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, attended the ceremony before having a one-on-one meeting with Erdogan, Ankara's communication office said on Twitter. Erdogan's office says that his visit to Saudi Arabia has been at the invitation of the Saudi king. The visit marks the culmination of a months-long drive to mend ties that included dropping a trial over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. Analysts and officials say Saudi funding could help Turkey alleviate its economic woes, including soaring inflation, ahead of tough elections for Erdogan next year. Bilateral relations were badly strained after Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad at the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018. At the time, Erdogan accused the "highest levels" of the Saudi government of giving the orders, but Ankara has since markedly softened its tone. In a policy reversal, Turkey this month halted and transferred its own trial of the Saudi suspects in the killing to Saudi Arabia in a move condemned by human rights groups. Erdogan, while speaking with reporters before departing for Jeddah that the visit was "the manifestation of our common will" to improve ties a He added it would be mutually beneficial to boost cooperation in areas including health, energy, food security, defence industry, and finance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "With common efforts, I believe we will carry our ties even beyond where they were in the past," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Erdogan visits Saudi Arabia hoping for new chapter in ties

2 years after it sanctioned Turkey for purchasing Russian Missile systems, U.S. is now planning to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. Palki Sharma tells you how this proves that U.S. has no friends or enemies, only interests.

Gravitas: U.S. to sell F-16 fighter jets to Turkey

Turkey is planning to halt the Khashoggi murder trial and hand the case over to Saudi Arabia. After years of vocal criticism against Riyadh, why is Erdogan making this u-turn? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Turkey to halt Khashoggi murder trial

A potential&nbsp;gas&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;project between&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;possible&nbsp;in the&nbsp;short-term&nbsp;and building an alternative system to cut dependence on Russia will&nbsp;not&nbsp;happen quickly, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Turkey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have in recent weeks been working to mend their long-strained ties, and energy has emerged as a potential area of cooperation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-second-mine-found-floating-off-its-coast-466324">Turkey says second mine found floating off its coast</a>

Turkish media on Thursday reported President Tayyip Erdogan as saying he was "very, very hopeful" for energy cooperation with Israel, and he hoped to discuss the issue with&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

"If we discuss this subject with Bennett after Ramadan and we take steps immediately, the process will accelerate for&nbsp;Israel-Turkey&nbsp;cooperation, east Mediterranean crude oil and natural&nbsp;gas," he told reporters on his plane returning from a trip to Uzbekistan.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on April 2.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oligarchs-welcome-in-turkey-says-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-465935">Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu</a>

The regional rivals expelled ambassadors in 2018 and have often traded barbs over the Palestinian conflict, Turkish support of the Hamas militant group, which runs Gaza, and other issues.

Speaking to broadcaster A Haber, Cavusoglu said he would travel to&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and Palestine with Energy Minister Fatih Donmez in mid-May and would discuss the appointment of ambassadors with his&nbsp;Israeli counterpart during the visit.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine says Russia renewing focus on Donbas region

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A potential gas pipeline project between Turkey and Israel is not possible in the short-term and building an alternative system to cut dependence on Russia will not happen quickly, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

A potential gas pipeline project between Turkey and Israel is not possible in the short-term and building an alternative system to cut dependence on Russia will not happen quickly, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. Turkey and Israel have in recent weeks been working to mend their long-strained ties, and energy has emerged as a potential area of cooperation. Also read | Turkey says second mine found floating off its coast Turkish media on Thursday reported President Tayyip Erdogan as saying he was "very, very hopeful" for energy cooperation with Israel, and he hoped to discuss the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. "If we discuss this subject with Bennett after Ramadan and we take steps immediately, the process will accelerate for Israel-Turkey cooperation, east Mediterranean crude oil and natural gas," he told reporters on his plane returning from a trip to Uzbekistan. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins on April 2. Also read | Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu The regional rivals expelled ambassadors in 2018 and have often traded barbs over the Palestinian conflict, Turkish support of the Hamas militant group, which runs Gaza, and other issues. Speaking to broadcaster A Haber, Cavusoglu said he would travel to Israel and Palestine with Energy Minister Fatih Donmez in mid-May and would discuss the appointment of ambassadors with his Israeli counterpart during the visit. Watch | Ukraine says Russia renewing focus on Donbas region

Turkey says gas pipeline with Israel not possible in short term

Turkey&nbsp;is&nbsp;ready, in&nbsp;principle, to&nbsp;act&nbsp;as a&nbsp;guarantor&nbsp;country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important".

NATO member&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both and has offered to&nbsp;mediate the conflict. It has supported Ukraine while opposing sanctions on Moscow, and this week hosted negotiators from both sides for the first face-to-face peace talks in weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-reinforce-offensive-in-donbas-maintains-pressure-on-kyiv-nato-467184">Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO</a>

Speaking on a flight from Uzbekistan,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said the talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine gave Russia a written proposal to end the war, had provided "significant momentum" to the process. He added he would again convey an offer to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin for talks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-world-cannot-burn-bridges-with-moscow-465999">Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow</a>

"On the&nbsp;guarantorship matter, we can be one of the&nbsp;guarantor&nbsp;countries ensuring&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;security, we are&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for this in&nbsp;principle, but of course the details of this need to be worked out," broadcaster NTV cited him as saying, referring to an offer from Ukraine for several countries, including&nbsp;Turkey, to&nbsp;act&nbsp;as security&nbsp;guarantors.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine War update: Turkey &amp; Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

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Turkey is ready, in principle, to act as a guarantor country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important".

Turkey is ready, in principle, to act as a guarantor country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important". NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both and has offered to mediate the conflict. It has supported Ukraine while opposing sanctions on Moscow, and this week hosted negotiators from both sides for the first face-to-face peace talks in weeks. Also read | Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO Speaking on a flight from Uzbekistan, Erdogan said the talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine gave Russia a written proposal to end the war, had provided "significant momentum" to the process. He added he would again convey an offer to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin for talks. Also read | Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow "On the guarantorship matter, we can be one of the guarantor countries ensuring Ukraine's security, we are ready for this in principle, but of course the details of this need to be worked out," broadcaster NTV cited him as saying, referring to an offer from Ukraine for several countries, including Turkey, to act as security guarantors. Watch | Ukraine War update: Turkey & Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

Erdogan says Turkey ready in principle to act as Ukraine's guarantor -media

Turkey&nbsp;on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea.

On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oligarchs-welcome-in-turkey-says-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-465935">Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu</a>

"The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said.

A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul.

Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject,"&nbsp;Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday.

In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-world-cannot-burn-bridges-with-moscow-465999">Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow</a>

Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm.

Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors.

But older mines could lack &nbsp;this safety measure, Turkish media reported.

Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

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Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it. Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea. On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea. Also read | Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu "The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said. A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul. Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject," Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday. In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea. Also read | Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm. Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors. But older mines could lack this safety measure, Turkish media reported. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey says second mine found floating off its coast

Turkey&nbsp;and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine,&nbsp;Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself.

NATO member&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has sought to mediate in the month-long conflict.

"If everybody burns bridges with Russia then who is going to talk to them at the end of the day," Ibrahim Kalin told the Doha international forum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

"Ukrainians need to be supported by every means possible so they can defend themselves ... but the Russian case must be heard, one way or the other," so that its grievances could be understood if not justified, Kalin added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the West to give his country tanks, planes and missiles to fend off Russian forces. The West has responded to Russia's invasion by slapping sweeping economic sanctions on&nbsp;Moscow.

Ankara&nbsp;says&nbsp;Russia's invasion is unacceptable but opposes the Western sanctions on principle and has not joined them.

Turkey's economy, already strained by a December currency crisis, relies heavily on Russian energy, trade and tourism, and since the war began on Feb. 24 thousands of Russians have arrived in&nbsp;Turkey, seeing it as a safe haven from the sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-turkeys-position-on-russian-s-400-missile-acquisition-remains-the-same-465488">Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same</a>

Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, head of&nbsp;Turkey's investment office, told the forum separately that some Russian companies were relocating operations to&nbsp;Turkey.

Asked on a panel about&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;doing business with any people which could be of benefit to President Vladimir Putin, he said: "We are not targeting, we are not chasing, we are not pursuing any investment or capital that has a question mark on it."

Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts.

Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate Putin and his allies over&nbsp;Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Turkey and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself.

Turkey and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself. NATO member Turkey has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has sought to mediate in the month-long conflict. "If everybody burns bridges with Russia then who is going to talk to them at the end of the day," Ibrahim Kalin told the Doha international forum. Also read | Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' "Ukrainians need to be supported by every means possible so they can defend themselves ... but the Russian case must be heard, one way or the other," so that its grievances could be understood if not justified, Kalin added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the West to give his country tanks, planes and missiles to fend off Russian forces. The West has responded to Russia's invasion by slapping sweeping economic sanctions on Moscow. Ankara says Russia's invasion is unacceptable but opposes the Western sanctions on principle and has not joined them. Turkey's economy, already strained by a December currency crisis, relies heavily on Russian energy, trade and tourism, and since the war began on Feb. 24 thousands of Russians have arrived in Turkey, seeing it as a safe haven from the sanctions. Also read | Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, head of Turkey's investment office, told the forum separately that some Russian companies were relocating operations to Turkey. Asked on a panel about Turkey doing business with any people which could be of benefit to President Vladimir Putin, he said: "We are not targeting, we are not chasing, we are not pursuing any investment or capital that has a question mark on it." Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts. Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate Putin and his allies over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow

Russian&nbsp;oligarchs&nbsp;are&nbsp;welcome&nbsp;in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;but must abide by international law in order to do any business, Turkish&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday.

Turkey&nbsp;has strongly criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine but opposes sanctions imposed by its NATO allies on principle.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-army-fired-again-at-a-nuclear-research-facility-in-kharkiv-says-ukraine-465843">&nbsp;Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine</a>

"If&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oligarchs&nbsp;... or any&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;citizens want to visit&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;of course they can," Cavusoglu said in response to a question at the Doha Forum international conference.

"If you mean whether these&nbsp;oligarchs&nbsp;can do any business in&nbsp;Turkey, then of course if it is legal and not against international law, I will consider it," he said, adding: "If it is against international law then that is another story."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-turkeys-position-on-russian-s-400-missile-acquisition-remains-the-same-465488">Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same</a>

Two superyachts linked to&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts.

Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oligarchs&nbsp;with sanctions as they seek to isolate President Vladimir Putin and his allies over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-taking-advantage-of-war-in-ukraine-461453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian oligarchs are welcome in Turkey but must abide by international law in order to do any business, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday.

Russian oligarchs are welcome in Turkey but must abide by international law in order to do any business, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday. Turkey has strongly criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine but opposes sanctions imposed by its NATO allies on principle. Also read | Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine "If Russian oligarchs ... or any Russian citizens want to visit Turkey of course they can," Cavusoglu said in response to a question at the Doha Forum international conference. "If you mean whether these oligarchs can do any business in Turkey, then of course if it is legal and not against international law, I will consider it," he said, adding: "If it is against international law then that is another story." Also read | Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts. Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate President Vladimir Putin and his allies over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it.

Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters.

A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine".

Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month.

Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea.

The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports. Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it. Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters. A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine". Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month. Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea. The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products. (With inputs from agencies)

'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea

&nbsp;Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

The team secured the object and began deactivating it, Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter.

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Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters.

A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine".

Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1915-canakkale-bridge-turkey-opens-worlds-longest-suspension-bridge-between-europe-and-asia-463836">1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia</a>

Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea.

The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-taking-advantage-of-war-in-ukraine-461453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports. The team secured the object and began deactivating it, Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter. Also read | Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters. A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine". Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month. Also read | 1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea. The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey finds 'mine-like object' floating off Black Sea

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota.

But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten.

Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar.

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Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack.

"I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters.

"We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us."

After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions.

Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break.

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Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat.

He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net.

But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game.

Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.

Portugal survived a nervy finale to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey, who missed a late penalty that could have forced extra time in their playoff semi-final on Thursday. Roared on by a sold-out Dragao Stadium in Porto, Portugal dominated the game from the start and went 2-0 up in the first half after Otavio scored one goal and created another for Diogo Jota. But Fernando Santos's side were pegged back by a Burak Yilmaz goal in 65th minute that put the Portuguese fans on the edge of their seats as Turkey started to threaten. Defender Jose Fonte then fouled Enes Unal inside the area in the 85th minute to concede a penalty but Yilmaz fired his effort high over the bar. ALSO READ: AC Milan owners Elliott Management join Nick Candy-led Blue Football consortium in bid for Chelsea Portugal substitute Matheus Nunes then relieved the pressure on the hosts in added time with their third goal from a counter attack. "I wasn't upset with the team but we played with fire today," Santos told reporters. "We had the game under control but slowed down. Obviously the players are not machines, we didn't manage to score for 3-0 and those things can happen in football. But I'm glad we reacted very well. That moment (the penalty) could have been difficult for us." After missing out on automatic qualification in November, Portugal will now host North Macedonia on Tuesday with the winner qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Portugal would have been expecting to face Italy, but they were shocked in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the other semi-final in Palermo, depriving fans of a highly anticipated face-off between the last two European champions. Portugal started strongly, scoring twice in the first half with the result looking like a foregone conclusion going into the break. ALSO READ: Substitute Kaoru Mitoma's brace sends Japan, Saudi Arabia to World Cup finals Brazilian-born Porto midfielder Otavio, a surprise inclusion in the starting team, provided Portugal’s main attacking threat. He scored from a rebound in the 15th minute after a Bernardo Silva shot came back off the post and just before halftime, he crossed from the right flank for Jota to aim an unstoppable header into the net. But Portugal took their foot off the gas in the second half and allowed the visitors to get into the game. Yilmaz scored following a one-two with Cengiz Under and had the chance to equalise from the spot after the video assistant referee spotted a foul in the penalty area, but sent his effort soaring high over the bar.

Portugal survive Turkey scare to move closer to World Cup

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching the one month mark. What does Vladimir Putin want from Ukraine? Reports claim the Russian President shared his demands with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What does Putin want from Ukraine?

After losing two years to the COVID-19 pandemic, shopkeepers in the heart of the Turkish Riviera had hoped for a strong tourism season this year to help keep their businesses afloat. But Russia's war in Ukraine is fast dampening their spirits.

We're trying to earn our bread through tourism, but it looks like the war has finished off this (tourism) season, too, Devrim Akcay said outside his clothing shop in the resort town of Belek, along the Mediterranean coast's Antalya province.

Nowhere is the threat of just one ripple effect of the war&nbsp;lost tourism&nbsp;felt more strongly than in Antalya, a region dotted with shimmering beaches and archeological sites where visitors from Russia and Ukraine, along with Germany, make up the top contributors to tourism revenue.

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Countries from Turkey to Thailand, Egypt and Cuba are bracing for the loss of Russian and Ukrainian visitors just as their travel sectors were looking to rebound from the pandemic. With many tourist-dependent economies also struggling with surging inflation and other woes, hotel workers, guides and others who serve visitors from the two warring nations expect more pain.

The turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Cuban resort of Varadero, which until recently received a significant number of tourists mainly Russians are now almost empty.

Russians accounted for almost a third of Cuba's visitors last year more than 146,000&nbsp;and some saw them as the way to get some oxygen to an industry ailing from the pandemic and tighter sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Now, we also have to get by without the Russian tourism,&nbsp;said Jos&nbsp;Luis Perell&nbsp;Cabrera, a Cuban economist and tourism expert. 
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 Russian tourists were on the island when the war in Ukraine broke out. Several flights left from Varadero in early March to bring them home.

Losing that market is a strong blow to Cuba, said Natasha Strelkova, Russian-Cuban tour operator and guide on the island.

Across the Atlantic, Russians and Ukrainians can represent up to 35% of Egypt's tourists annually, said Hisham el-Demiry, former head of the government-run Tourism Development Authority.

He worries the economic crisis brought on by the war could mean fewer guests overall.

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It's a huge impact, a domino effect. ... The war has changed people's priorities, and tourism, which is a very sensitive industry, will be the first victim,&nbsp;he said.

Rania Ali, a reception manager at a four-star hotel in Hurghada, said they were over 75% occupied early before the war, now we are just 35%.&nbsp;Russians were just among the top 10 groups of visitors to Thailand until late last year, when the country began to reopen to international tourists. Russia restarted charter flights relatively early and in winter, when Thailand's balmy temperatures make it a highly desirable destination, helping its people become the top visitors among the modest numbers that Thailand started welcoming back.

The November-to-March season when Russians usually visit is drawing to an end, and the plunge in the ruble's value makes travel to Thailand and anywhere else far more costly now, said Chattan Kunjira Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for International Marketing for the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

This probably will lead Russian tourists to shift to destinations that offer them all-inclusive packages with better prices,&nbsp;he said.

In Turkey, officials had hoped that with pandemic restrictions easing, tourism could replicate or exceed the numbers from 2019, when some 52 million visitors&nbsp;including about 7 million Russians and 1.6 million Ukrainians &nbsp;brought $34 billion in revenue. The overall number of visitors dropped to 15 million in 2020 but recovered to around 29 million last year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had strategized that opening up the economy and delivering big growth this year could help him get reelected next year, experts say. It's a tall order for a country with a currency crisis and inflation exceeding 54%, making it difficult for consumers to purchase even basic goods.

For that to happen, Turkey needs to have its robust tourism and trade ties with Russia unhindered,&nbsp;said Soner Cagaptay, a Turkey analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

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The expectation before the war was maybe 10, 15 million Russians would be visiting Turkey this summer that will be spending 10 billion dollars, a shot in the arm for Turkey's ailing economy," Cagaptay said.

Now, business groups say they're seeing erosion in trade both ways, including a fall in demand for Turkish produce because Russian buyers are struggling to make payments. That's despite Turkey not joining in sanctions against Moscow.

Agricultural grower and exporter Nevzat Akcan worries he may not be able to ship the red bell peppers he grows in greenhouses in the district of Aksu solely for Russian and Ukrainian markets.

May God protect us if we join the sanctions against Russia. This would be a disaster for Turkish agriculture. We would be ruined and finished," Akcan said. I don't even want to think about it.&nbsp;NATO-member Turkey, which has cultivated close ties with both Russia and Ukraine, is trying to balance those relations and has positioned itself as a neutral party trying to mediate. Turkey has criticized Russia's military actions in Ukraine as unacceptable but also said it would not give up on either side.

The Antalya region is haunted by the memory of 2016, when Russia inflicted a serious blow to Turkey's economy by barring the import of some agricultural produce and stopping charter flights there after the Turkish military shot down a Russian fighter plane in 2015.

Agriculture has already started to suffer from the effects of the war, said Davut Cetin, head of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Ukrainian market has been shut down. No fresh fruit or vegetable is leaving for Ukraine now, Cetin said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-expels-several-american-diplomats-in-tit-for-tat-move-465102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After losing two years to the COVID-19 pandemic, shopkeepers in the heart of the Turkish Riviera had hoped for a strong tourism season this year to help keep their businesses afloat.

After losing two years to the COVID-19 pandemic, shopkeepers in the heart of the Turkish Riviera had hoped for a strong tourism season this year to help keep their businesses afloat. But Russia's war in Ukraine is fast dampening their spirits. We're trying to earn our bread through tourism, but it looks like the war has finished off this (tourism) season, too, Devrim Akcay said outside his clothing shop in the resort town of Belek, along the Mediterranean coast's Antalya province. Nowhere is the threat of just one ripple effect of the war lost tourism felt more strongly than in Antalya, a region dotted with shimmering beaches and archeological sites where visitors from Russia and Ukraine, along with Germany, make up the top contributors to tourism revenue. Also read | Russia's central bank governor wanted to resign over Ukraine, Putin refused: Report Countries from Turkey to Thailand, Egypt and Cuba are bracing for the loss of Russian and Ukrainian visitors just as their travel sectors were looking to rebound from the pandemic. With many tourist-dependent economies also struggling with surging inflation and other woes, hotel workers, guides and others who serve visitors from the two warring nations expect more pain. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Cuban resort of Varadero, which until recently received a significant number of tourists mainly Russians are now almost empty. Russians accounted for almost a third of Cuba's visitors last year more than 146,000 and some saw them as the way to get some oxygen to an industry ailing from the pandemic and tighter sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Now, we also have to get by without the Russian tourism, said Jos Luis Perell Cabrera, a Cuban economist and tourism expert. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia estimated that between 6,000 and 8,000 Russian tourists were on the island when the war in Ukraine broke out. Several flights left from Varadero in early March to bring them home. Losing that market is a strong blow to Cuba, said Natasha Strelkova, Russian-Cuban tour operator and guide on the island. Across the Atlantic, Russians and Ukrainians can represent up to 35% of Egypt's tourists annually, said Hisham el-Demiry, former head of the government-run Tourism Development Authority. He worries the economic crisis brought on by the war could mean fewer guests overall. Also read | 'We are a nuclear power, why not?': Top Russian diplomat over Ukraine invasion It's a huge impact, a domino effect. ... The war has changed people's priorities, and tourism, which is a very sensitive industry, will be the first victim, he said. Rania Ali, a reception manager at a four-star hotel in Hurghada, said they were over 75% occupied early before the war, now we are just 35%. Russians were just among the top 10 groups of visitors to Thailand until late last year, when the country began to reopen to international tourists. Russia restarted charter flights relatively early and in winter, when Thailand's balmy temperatures make it a highly desirable destination, helping its people become the top visitors among the modest numbers that Thailand started welcoming back. The November-to-March season when Russians usually visit is drawing to an end, and the plunge in the ruble's value makes travel to Thailand and anywhere else far more costly now, said Chattan Kunjira Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for International Marketing for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This probably will lead Russian tourists to shift to destinations that offer them all-inclusive packages with better prices, he said. In Turkey, officials had hoped that with pandemic restrictions easing, tourism could replicate or exceed the numbers from 2019, when some 52 million visitors including about 7 million Russians and 1.6 million Ukrainians brought $34 billion in revenue. The overall number of visitors dropped to 15 million in 2020 but recovered to around 29 million last year. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had strategized that opening up the economy and delivering big growth this year could help him get reelected next year, experts say. It's a tall order for a country with a currency crisis and inflation exceeding 54%, making it difficult for consumers to purchase even basic goods. For that to happen, Turkey needs to have its robust tourism and trade ties with Russia unhindered, said Soner Cagaptay, a Turkey analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Also read | Pakistan calls for Ukraine ceasefire, offers mediation by China and Islamic nations The expectation before the war was maybe 10, 15 million Russians would be visiting Turkey this summer that will be spending 10 billion dollars, a shot in the arm for Turkey's ailing economy," Cagaptay said. Now, business groups say they're seeing erosion in trade both ways, including a fall in demand for Turkish produce because Russian buyers are struggling to make payments. That's despite Turkey not joining in sanctions against Moscow. Agricultural grower and exporter Nevzat Akcan worries he may not be able to ship the red bell peppers he grows in greenhouses in the district of Aksu solely for Russian and Ukrainian markets. May God protect us if we join the sanctions against Russia. This would be a disaster for Turkish agriculture. We would be ruined and finished," Akcan said. I don't even want to think about it. NATO-member Turkey, which has cultivated close ties with both Russia and Ukraine, is trying to balance those relations and has positioned itself as a neutral party trying to mediate. Turkey has criticized Russia's military actions in Ukraine as unacceptable but also said it would not give up on either side. The Antalya region is haunted by the memory of 2016, when Russia inflicted a serious blow to Turkey's economy by barring the import of some agricultural produce and stopping charter flights there after the Turkish military shot down a Russian fighter plane in 2015. Agriculture has already started to suffer from the effects of the war, said Davut Cetin, head of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Ukrainian market has been shut down. No fresh fruit or vegetable is leaving for Ukraine now, Cetin said. Watch | Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move

Countries brace for hit to tourism from Russia-Ukraine war

UEFA has received declarations of interest from Britain and Ireland, Russia and Turkey to host the European Championship in 2028, the governing body said on Wednesday.

Russia and Turkey have declared their interest in hosting Euro 2032, UEFA added, and Italy has also announced its intention to bid for that tournament.

Governing bodies FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from international competition - pending an appeal by the Russian Football Union (RFU) to the Court of Arbitration of Sport - following its invasion of Ukraine.

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The RFU has not been suspended but UEFA said it would be monitoring the situation closely.

"The UEFA Executive Committee will remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis where required, - &nbsp;in addition to its already-scheduled meetings of 7 April and 10 May - to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary, including in light of the declaration of interest expressed by the Russian Football Union for hosting the UEFA EURO," a UEFA spokesperson said.

Russia staged the World Cup in 2018. Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the final, was used for a rally hosted by president Vladimir Putin last week.

"We should take the opportunity to host the Euro. It would be held at our World Cup stadiums. We have developed infrastructure," RFU president Alexander Dyukov was quoted as saying by Match TV.

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"We understand that there is a minimal chance (to host), but we must use it. We reserve are right to make a bid, this option is free."

Minimum requirements include having 10 stadiums available, one having a capacity of at least 60,000 and two with at least 50,000 seats.

The list of bidders will be announced in April and the hosts for both Euro 2028 and 2032 will be named in September next year.

The 2024 European Championship will be held by Germany.

UEFA has received declarations of interest from Britain and Ireland, Russia and Turkey to host the European Championship in 2028, the governing body said on Wednesday.

UEFA has received declarations of interest from Britain and Ireland, Russia and Turkey to host the European Championship in 2028, the governing body said on Wednesday. Russia and Turkey have declared their interest in hosting Euro 2032, UEFA added, and Italy has also announced its intention to bid for that tournament. Governing bodies FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from international competition - pending an appeal by the Russian Football Union (RFU) to the Court of Arbitration of Sport - following its invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ: India go down to Bahrain 1-2 in international friendly The RFU has not been suspended but UEFA said it would be monitoring the situation closely. "The UEFA Executive Committee will remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis where required, - in addition to its already-scheduled meetings of 7 April and 10 May - to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary, including in light of the declaration of interest expressed by the Russian Football Union for hosting the UEFA EURO," a UEFA spokesperson said. Russia staged the World Cup in 2018. Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the final, was used for a rally hosted by president Vladimir Putin last week. "We should take the opportunity to host the Euro. It would be held at our World Cup stadiums. We have developed infrastructure," RFU president Alexander Dyukov was quoted as saying by Match TV. ALSO READ: Premier League legends Wayne Rooney, Patrick Vieira inducted into Hall of Fame "We understand that there is a minimal chance (to host), but we must use it. We reserve are right to make a bid, this option is free." Minimum requirements include having 10 stadiums available, one having a capacity of at least 60,000 and two with at least 50,000 seats. The list of bidders will be announced in April and the hosts for both Euro 2028 and 2032 will be named in September next year. The 2024 European Championship will be held by Germany.

UEFA receive declarations of interest from Britain-Ireland, Russia, Turkey to host Euro 2028

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has batted for 'meaningful' dialogue to resolve the conflict. Zelensky also said that If talks with Russia fail, it could to world war 3.

Ukraine President Zelensky: If talks with Russia fail, it could lead to world war 3

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