Russian President Putin is set to make a strategic move as he plans his first visit to a NATO country in four years, with Turkey on his itinerary. Despite Western tensions, Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, confirms preparations for the visit, signaling a crucial diplomatic engagement amid the Ukraine conflict.
Putin’s meeting with Turkish President Erdogan holds significant implications, especially given Turkey’s intermediary role and its refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia. While the primary agenda revolves around discussions on the Ukraine war, Ankara’s nuanced stance and hosting of peace talks in 2022 add layers to the diplomatic landscape.
President Zelensky’s recent conversation with Erdogan underscores Turkey’s commitment to facilitating peace efforts, yet it also reflects the delicate balance Ankara seeks to maintain. Erdogan’s pledge to assist in establishing lasting peace contrasts with Turkey’s call for Ukraine to soften its position, revealing the intricacies of regional diplomacy.
Putin and Erdogan’s previous meeting in Sochi witnessed discussions on re-engagement in Black Sea grain deal negotiations, indicating Russia’s strategic interests beyond the Ukraine conflict. The deal’s significance in food production dynamics and its manipulation as a geopolitical tool by Moscow underline the complexities surrounding regional stability.
Furthermore, China’s evolving role as an ally to Russia adds another dimension to the geopolitical landscape. President Xi’s alignment with Putin and China’s mediation efforts reflect a global realignment amid the Ukraine crisis, with implications for U.S.-Russia relations and international stability.
