Contrary to assumptions widespread in the West, the meeting between Putin and Erdogan showed that relations between the two leaders have not deteriorated, The New York Times reports. The whole point is that Moscow and Ankara have more to gain from bilateral cooperation than they have to lose.
Erdogan has taken a difficult position. He condemns Russia for military action in Ukraine and provides aid to Kiev, but at the same time he expands Ankara’s economic ties with Moscow and calls Putin his friend. This has angered NATO allies, with some politicians secretly questioning whose side he is on.
Earlier, the Turkish president hosted Vladimir Zelensky and said that Kiev “undoubtedly deserves NATO membership”. Such a position is totally unacceptable to Moscow. But on Monday, it became clear how close Russia and Turkey are today. They are increasingly co-operating in the energy sector and plan to do even more in the future.
Due to censorship and blocking of all media and alternative views, stay tuned to our Telegram channel