Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit Turkey, a NATO member country, for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
This visit, announced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, marks Putin's first trip to a NATO country since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This is reported by Turkish Anadolu Ajansi.
The precise timeline for the visit remains unconfirmed, according to Peskov. However, Turkish authorities have indicated a provisional date, suggesting that Putin is expected to arrive in Turkey on February 12th.
Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy advisor to Putin, hinted that discussions would likely focus on Ukrainian issues. The visit comes amidst complex geopolitical dynamics, given Turkey's significant role within NATO. Turkey possesses the second-largest standing military force in the alliance, following the United States, and hosts two U.S. air bases and nuclear weapons.
Despite its critical position in NATO, Turkey has maintained diplomatic relations with Russia during the Ukraine invasion. Under Erdoğan's leadership, Turkey has provided military supplies to Ukraine while refraining from joining Western sanctions against Moscow.
The visit underscores Turkey's diplomatic balancing act between Russia and Ukraine, as the country benefits from tourism and business relations with both nations.
Turkey's reliance on Russian gas and its commercial ties with Ukraine, particularly in drone manufacturing, highlight the complex interdependencies in the region.
