As a NATO member, Turkey mediates between Russia and Ukraine. Because Erdoğan is playing a risky game.
Turkey is the major mediator between Ukraine and Russia. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his foreign minister Mevlut Çavusoglu managed to bring peace talks to Ankara and the Turkish Riviera. Even if they are currently on hold. Although Turkey is a NATO member, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepts it as a mediator.
Ankara is working closely with Russia on the Syrian war and in acquiring air defense systems. Conversely, Turkey is a major investor in Ukraine. Erdoğan dances at two weddings.
First, Turkey has not joined the Western sanctions. On the other hand, the Russian annexation of Crimea is not recognized. Moscow does not like the supply of Turkish drones to the Ukrainian army, but Turkey is an economically important trading partner in infrastructure, food and tourism.
Passage blocked for warships
In any case, Erdoğan has influence: the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus. Shortly after the war started, he blocked the passage to the Black Sea for all warships, which was allowed to him by the Treaty of Montreux of 1936. But: not only for warships of Ukraine and Russia, but also of NATO.
Russia faces a dilemma with the sinking of the Moskva. The flagship of the Russian Navy was the only one of the three ships of the “Slava” class to be located in the Black Sea. “Due to Erdoğan’s ban, they cannot send a replacement,” said a military expert.
How will Erdoğan respond to a possible request from the Russians? The majority of Turks have a positive image of Russia. And what if there is a confrontation between Russia and NATO? Turkey should either decide against the military alliance. Or she’s on the front line against Russia.
For Erdoğan, it is also about maintaining power
Erdoğan’s strong interest in peace also has something to do with staying in power. His reelection is scheduled for next year. Turkey is currently sliding through a terrible economic crisis for which Erdoğan is responsible. Should he succeed in mediating successfully in the war between Russia and Ukraine, that would be the necessary proof to him that he alone could lead the country out of the crisis.
Possible meeting between Nehammer and Erdoğan
Chancellor Karl Nehammer called Erdoğan after his trip to Moscow early last week and offered his active support in the peace process. A highly publicized meeting between the two is neither confirmed nor denied by the Federal Chancellery.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
