Turkiye’s Decision to Drop Opposition to Sweden’s NATO Accession Draws Criticism from Russia
After the recent NATO summit, attention has turned to the delicate relationship between Turkiye and Russia, particularly in light of Turkiye’s decision to drop its opposition to Sweden’s accession to the multi-nation defense body. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Russian propagandists, who accuse Turkiye of betraying their friendship. However, analysts believe that the impact on the relationship between the two nations will be minimal due to their mutually beneficial economic ties.
Russian media outlets have wasted no time in criticizing Turkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership since the announcement. Viktor Bondarev, the head of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, accused Turkiye of gradually transforming from a neutral country into an unfriendly one, equating their behavior to a betrayal. Moscow’s anger has been fueled by Turkiye’s decision to repatriate Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russia in the Azov region, despite promising not to do so until the end of the war.
Pro-Kremlin TV host Olga Skabeeva criticized Erdogan for failing to notify Russia in advance about the Azov prisoner release. Experts point to Turkiye’s continuous support for Ukraine’s NATO accession and its construction of a drone factory in Ukraine as the main sources of disagreement between Ankara and Moscow. Russian propagandist Sergey Mardan dismissed Turkiye’s geopolitical influence and highlighted the country’s weakening economy.
On Wednesday, Erdogan held a press conference where he announced that Sweden’s NATO accession ratification could take place in October or even sooner. He also stated that the decision to release the Azov commanders was for a reason. Erdogan expects to have a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August to discuss these issues.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Turkiye’s decision to lift its opposition to Sweden, stating that Ankara should not be under the illusion that it might one day be permitted to join the EU. However, Peskov emphasized Russia’s preference for maintaining cordial ties with Ankara despite their differences over NATO enlargement.
According to Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and chairman of the Istanbul-based think tank EDAM, Turkiye’s pro-Western moves have had an impact on Moscow. Turkiye is the only NATO country with which Russia has high-level dialogue and has not imposed sanctions. Moscow is also trying to build a new energy hub in Turkiye to facilitate its gas exports in response to European projects to reduce reliance on Russian energy.
While Ankara and Moscow disagree on various policy areas, experts predict that they will continue to cooperate where their interests align. Turkish foreign policy is likely to remain transactional and pragmatic, rather than undergoing a major shift. Erdogan is expected to leverage this opportunity to establish closer ties with US President Joe Biden and is eyeing a visit to Washington. This charm offensive is aimed at securing benefits such as the deepening and modernization of the Customs Union with the EU and restoring market confidence in the Turkish economy.
In conclusion, Turkiye’s decision to drop its opposition to Sweden’s NATO accession has drawn criticism from Russia. However, analysts believe that the impact on the relationship between the two nations will be minimal due to their mutually beneficial economic ties. While Ankara and Moscow may disagree on certain policy areas, they are expected to continue cooperating where their interests align. Turkish foreign policy is likely to remain transactional and pragmatic, with a focus on economic realities and strategic considerations.