Most Turks, according to the latest surveys of public opinion, view the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a challenge to Turkey's national security and want the government to remain neutral in this conflict.
Such a cautious position is the product of Turkey's financial ties with Russia, and its fragile economic situation.
This interdependence explains president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Enjoy access to all articles and 25 years of archives, comment and gift articles. Become a member for as low as €1,75 per week.To read this story, log in or subscribe
Burak Bilgehan Özpek is assistant professor in the Department of International Relations at the TOBB University of Economics and Technology in Ankara. His main research interests include the de facto states, conflict studies, contemporary politics of the Middle East and Turkish foreign policy. He is the co-founder of one of Turkey’s leading opposition websites and podcasts, Daktilo1984.
Burak Bilgehan Özpek is assistant professor in the Department of International Relations at the TOBB University of Economics and Technology in Ankara. His main research interests include the de facto states, conflict studies, contemporary politics of the Middle East and Turkish foreign policy. He is the co-founder of one of Turkey’s leading opposition websites and podcasts, Daktilo1984.