Erdogan’s re-election, a defining event in the war in Ukraine

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Re-elected as President of Turkey on Sunday May 28, Recep Tayyip Erdogan occupies a unique place in the conflict in Ukraine. Partner of Russia and hostile to the sanctions which affect it, Ankara at the same time sells arms to Ukraine.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan triumphed in the Turkish elections on Sunday May 28. Turkey’s president derives his strength from his unique relationship with Russia. Russian gas is fundamental for Ankara, and a nuclear power plant has been built by Moscow in Turkey. Erdoganreelected, nwill not apply economic sanctions against Russia. “Who are you to impose sanctions on Russia?“, he asked the Westerners.

Erdogan plays the balancing act

He also plays tightrope walkers with theNATO. Turkey is a member of I’Alliance, but bought Russian missiles a few years ago. Erdogan also speaks to Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of theUkraine, to whom he sells combat drones. “Turkey’s foreign policy is notably driven by Turkey’s economic orientation, which is an export orientation, and the Ukrainian market is an important market for armaments“, analyzes Jean-François Pérouse, geographer and author ofErdogan, Turkey’s new father?“. Between Russians and Ukrainians, Erdogyear is intended to facilitate. In particular, he sealed I’grain agreement, and will continue to mediate.


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