#Turkey_Russia: One of the most complex and efficient foreign policies towards Russia has (apparently) only Turkey. Here are my main points: 1) Erdogan may be hanging out with Putin, but he is also openly criticizing Russia's aggression against Ukraine; ⤵️
2) Due to Russia's isolation from Western sanctions and the rest who distance themselves from themselves, Erdogan remains close to Putin, calling him his "friend", but also holding him responsible for Ukraine (2022) and Crimea (2014 ). Furthermore, he wants Putin to return all⤵️
occupied lands to Ukraine, including Crimea. No other international leader has this ability to manoeuvre between rocks and water like Erdogan or strategic interest (referring to Xi Jinping's laissez-faire approach); 3) Erdogan is calculating his steps, without⤵️
losing face and principles. He understands that his position is logical from the point of view of international law and such a position will bring him respect (from a historical perspective) and reputation and economic dividends for his country, regardless of how the Russian ⤵️
war in Ukraine ends. 4) Turkey's balancing act is apparently the only way the country can maintain close ties with Russia that benefit from energy resources and be hailed in the West and Ukraine for its principled approach and mediating position. 5) This does not mean that the ⤵️
country will join the sanctions against Russia, as they may be perceived as too costly for the Turkish economy, especially a year before the elections. However, Turkish entities such as banks (soon the entire tourist industry - which is the heart of the Turkish economy) are⤵️
moving away from the Russian "Mir" payment card, following international financial sanctions. So locally and individually, some Turkish companies will implement the sanctions, even if Erdogan does not align himself politically with the sanctions regime.
This interview is a good source of information. pbs.org/newshour/show/…
And this piece written by me can give more nuances.
https://twitter.com/DionisCenusa/status/1560171301129666560
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