AFP
Turkey manifests itself in the war between Russia and Ukraine as a mediator. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the only foreign leader to speak to both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Thanks to him, the – now suspended – exchange of grain and prisoners. But where is Turkey actually located?
The Turkish Deputy Minister for Foreign and EU Affairs Faruk Kaymakcı, a few days ago in Holland, wants to underline that his country denounces the “unjust and cruel” war against Ukraine. Turkey also maintains the territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine. “But,” he says news hour“both countries are strategic partners for us. And unfortunately we are facing this war”.
Turkey supports Ukraine by sending drones, but at the same time it strengthens ties with Russia. This is what worries the West. The Turkish Deputy Minister is clear: “We are in this very particular situation because of Western politics. But if you ask about Turkey’s place, Turkey’s Europe, the nature of Turkey and Turkey’s future, then it is in the European Union. “
Descent
According to the deputy minister, the fact that this does not happen is mainly due to the EU itself. His country has been marginalized, discriminated against and rejected by the EU system as a candidate for membership in recent years, he says.
Turkey correspondent Mitra Nazar: “Obviously Turkey wants to join the EU, because this is good for the stability of the Turkish economy. But the problem is that under Erdogan the country has increasingly alienated itself from European values and democratic principles” .
Repressive laws were passed under Erdogan and the judiciary and freedom of the press came under increasing pressure. The EU is clear about the requirements for EU membership: Turkey must reform and change. “But it’s pretty downhill here,” says Nazar.
Erdogan, who has a good relationship with Putin, has not imposed far-reaching sanctions on Russia, unlike the EU. “Each country determines its own measures,” says Kaymakcı. Turkey just wants to impose UN sanctions and has problems with EU sanctions. “If there is no consultation, no dialogue, between candidate Turkey and the EU, how can you expect Turkey to follow EU sanctions which also harm Turkey’s interests?”
Balance-act
Turkey can hardly do otherwise. The country is 45% dependent on Russian gas, and Russian tourists are important to the economy. Imposing sanctions on Russia would have a huge impact. And that is why Turkey wants to think about sanctions against Russia only if there is solidarity between the member states, countries that help each other. Or as Kaymakcı says: “if there is a better mutual understanding between Turkey and the EU”. Only then, as far as he is concerned, can collective action be taken in the future. At the moment, she calls it unrealistic.
For example, Erdogan’s Turkey maneuvers through a changing world with a complicated balancing act between the West and Ukraine and Russia. How long can it last?
At least as long as Turkey settles things with Putin in this way. Because this is beneficial to NATO allies. “Obviously now they are looking again at Erdogan to iron out the wheat deal. And that way Erdogan can establish himself as a mediator and peacemaker, he hopes,” Nazar says. “He wants to prove that he is indispensable on the world stage, if only in view of next year’s elections”.
