In a recent phone conversation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the enhancement of trade relations between Türkiye and Russia, alongside other international topics that underline their bilateral cooperation. Following the call, Erdogan emphasized his commitment to boosting trade volumes and bilateral ties in various sectors. The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of improving their economic partnership and addressing regional and global issues. Notably, Türkiye’s position in the geopolitical landscape is unique, as it remains a NATO member and an aspiring EU candidate while maintaining a neutral stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This diplomatic balancing act is evident as Türkiye has facilitated peace talks and brokered agreements such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, despite facing pressure from the United States to impose sanctions on Russia.
Türkiye’s economic ties with Russia are significant, as it ranks as the third-largest buyer of Russian crude oil, with Russia being its primary trading partner. Despite these robust trade relationships, Ankara has complied with certain Western demands, restricting the export of specific dual-use goods to Russia, which are items applicable in both civilian and military contexts. Reports indicate that the U.S. has placed sanctions on approximately 20 Turkish firms for allegedly supplying these dual-use goods to Russian entities linked to defense operations since the start of sanctions. The complexity of these relations is heightened by Türkiye’s ongoing export of military systems, including drones and small arms, to Ukraine, creating tension with Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concerns regarding Türkiye’s military exports to Ukraine, drawing attention to the contradiction between Ankara’s mediation stance and its support for Ukraine against Russian forces.
The discussions between Erdogan and Putin are framed within the backdrop of diplomatic engagements since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine began in early 2022. The two leaders have participated in numerous meetings, the latest occurring during the BRICS summit in Kazan in October. Erdogan has also taken a significant step by applying for full BRICS membership, positioning Türkiye as the first NATO nation to seek inclusion in this group. The Kremlin, as reiterated by Lavrov, has shown support for Türkiye’s bid, reflecting a mutual interest in expanding ties between the BRICS group and nations that prioritize multilateralism and resist unilateral sanctions.
The ongoing complexities of Turkish-Russian relations encapsulate a broader narrative of geopolitical maneuvering in an increasingly polarized international environment. Türkiye’s role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict showcases its ambition to carve out a unique diplomatic identity, fostering dialogue while simultaneously nurturing its economic interests with Russia. While Ankara seeks to diversify its partnerships, balancing relations with both Western allies and Russia proves challenging, particularly amid the evolving dynamics of global trade and security.
Erdogan’s administration is keenly aware of the delicate interplay between maintaining robust trade relations with Russia and managing its commitments to NATO and Western policy. The import-export dynamics underscore Türkiye’s leverage in energy markets and the defense sector, revealing the intricate relationship of dependence and strategy essential to Ankara’s foreign policy agenda. While Erdogan aims to increase trade with Russia, the implications of Western sanctions and the global economic landscape create pressures that may influence future engagement levels on both sides.
Ultimately, the Erdogan-Putin dialogues illustrate the complexities of statecraft in an era defined by shifting allegiances and contrasting objectives. As Türkiye navigates its ambitions for greater trade and economic cooperation with Russia, it must also contend with the realities posed by existing geopolitical commitments. The future of Turkish-Russian relations will likely be influenced not only by their bilateral engagement but also by the broader international context, which may dictate the strategic choices both nations must make moving forward.
