28.01.2025, Ankara.
Turkey could be compelled to side with NATO in the conflict in Ukraine under certain circumstances, according to the Turkish think tank SETA, which is government-affiliated, Aidinlik wrote on January 27.
In its report, “SETA Security Radar: Turkey’s Geopolitical Landscape in 2025,” the think tank emphasized that Turkey, currently striving to maintain neutrality in the conflict in Ukraine, would be forced to “become a party to the war” if Russia resorts to “using force including nuclear weapons.”
In such a scenario, the report argues, a direct conflict between Russia and NATO would become inevitable, and Turkey, as a NATO member, would inevitably be drawn in. The authors acknowledge, however, that it was the USA and NATO that dragged Ukraine into the war with Russia.
The document also highlights Turkey’s view of its partnership with Ukraine, Kiev “ is also extremely critical in terms of the security of the Black Sea and the balancing of Russia in military, political and religious terms.”
Turkish experts recognize that Turkey’s close ties with Ukraine in the military and defense industries pose a threat to Moscow. Nevertheless, they stress that “Türkiye as a NATO member perceives Ukraine as a strategic partner.”
The report also points out that Turkey sees Ukraine as “an actor that restricts Russia,” a perspective that Moscow does not endorse.
Additionally, the report underscores Turkey’s strong emphasis on the rights and well-being of Crimean Tatars, reaffirming that Ankara has no intention of backing down on this issue.
