Turkish Foreign Ministry has refuted claims of Turkey's support to voluntary groups such as "Crimean Tatar battalion", spokesperson Tanju Bilgiç said. 

"These groundless claims are coming as a part of larger Russian black propaganda campaign launched against our country (Turkey) in the recent period," Bilgiç said.

Earlier, reports suggested that Turkey is willing to provide aid to Crimean Tatar voluntary battalion which is due to operate in Ukraine's Kherson region bordering with Russia-occupied Crimea. 

"Turkey did not and will not recognize illegal annexation of Crimea. Turkey will continue its efforts to protect rights and freedoms of Crimean Tatars with determination," Bilgiç added.

Source: WorldBulletin