CAIRO -- The 7.8 magnitude earthquake and multiple aftershocks that struck southern Turkey on Monday occurred at a time when the country has been increasing its presence as a mediator in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While 70 countries, including Japan, have started providing emergency assistance to Turkey by dispatching rescue teams, the swift responses of Ukraine and Russia, in addition to the United States and China, have stood out.
"We were among the first to express readiness to help," Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar said on TV on Monday. "Currently, we are communicating regarding how we can assist."
Bodnar also announced that his embassy had set up operating headquarters to gather information and oversee the activities of his country's rescue teams.
