Turkey acts as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the only foreign leader to have spoken to both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. Thanks in part to him, the grain trade – now suspended – was completed and prisoners were exchanged. But where does Turkey actually stand?

Turkey’s Deputy Foreign and EU Foreign Minister Faruk Kaymakcı, who was in the Netherlands for a few days, wants to emphasize that his country denounces the “unjust and cruel” war against Ukraine. Turkey also upholds the territorial integrity and unity of Ukraine. “But,” he agrees 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 strengthens ties with Russia. That is the concern of the West. The Turkish Deputy Minister is clear: “We are in this very special situation because of the policy of the West. But if you ask about Turkey’s place, Turkey’s Europe, Turkey’s nature and Turkey’s future, it’s in the European Union.”

Downhill

According to the deputy minister, the fact that this does not happen is mainly due to the EU itself. In recent years, as a candidate for accession, his country has been excluded, discriminated against and pushed out of the EU system, he says.

Turkey correspondent Mitra Nazar: “Of course Turkey wants to join the EU, because that is good for the stability of the Turkish economy. But the problem is that under Erdogan, the country has become increasingly alienated from European values ​​and democratic principles.”

Under Erdogan, repressive laws were enacted and increasing pressure was placed on the judiciary and freedom of the press. When it comes to the requirements for EU membership, the EU is clear: Turkey must reform and change. “But things are going downhill here,” says Nazar.

Even Erdogan, who has a good relationship with Putin, did not impose any far-reaching sanctions on Russia. “Each country determines its own measures,” says Kaymakcı. Turkey only wants to impose UN sanctions and has problems with EU sanctions. “If there is no consultation, no dialogue between the Turkish candidate country and the EU, how can you expect Turkey to comply with EU sanctions that also harm Turkey’s interests?

balancing act

Turkey can hardly do otherwise. The country is 45 percent dependent on Russian gas, and Russian tourists are also important to the economy. Imposing sanctions on Russia would have a huge impact. And that is why Turkey only wants to think about sanctions against Russia if there is solidarity between member states, countries that help each other. Or as Kaymakcı puts it: “when there is a better mutual understanding between Turkey and the EU”. From his point of view, only then can joint action be taken in the future. At the moment he calls that unrealistic.

For example, Erdogan’s Turkey is maneuvering through a changing world with a complicated balancing act between the West and Ukraine and Russia. How long is it going to take?

At least as long as Erdogan pulls Putin through in this way. Because that benefits the NATO allies. “Of course they are now looking to Turkey again to smooth out this grain deal. And Erdogan can act as a mediator and peacemaker, he hopes,” says Nazar. “He wants to show that he is indispensable on the world stage.”