Turkey must be very careful not to accept Russian President Vladimir Putin’s propaganda, Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, head of the EU delegation in Ankara, told DPA.
According to the diplomat, the country is currently positioning itself as a “balancer”.
Meyer-Landrut also expects Turkey to impose restrictions on “Russian propaganda channels” and mentioned RT TV in this context, the agency notes.
The head of the EU mission in Ankara expressed hope that Turkey would not violate European sanctions imposed against Russia in connection with the attack on Ukraine.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said a few days ago that his country’s airspace is open to Russian aircraft so that Russian citizens from the EU and other countries can travel.
On February 27, EU airspace was closed to Russian aircraft, the agency recalls.
The Turkish government is still refusing sanctions against Russia.
On the one hand, Turkey is on the side of NATO and Ukraine, and the EU recognizes this, Meyer-Landrut said. On the other hand, Ankara constantly criticizes the West.
“Turkey will not be able to maintain a balanced position for a long time,” the diplomat said.
Turkey is a member of NATO and has close relations with both Ukraine and Russia. The country depends on Moscow for energy and grain supplies.
As for the war in Ukraine, Ankara sees itself as a mediator.
Erdogan constantly emphasizes that he does not want to give up any of his partners, BTA reports.
According to experts, the deterioration of relations with Moscow could have dramatic consequences for Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy, which is already in a deep economic crisis, the DPA added.