Description:

Ankara’s role during the war in Ukraine is a complex and sometimes controversial one. As a NATO member but not an EU state, the Turks have continued to expand their trade with Russia and have continued an open dialogue with Moscow. On the other hand, Türkiye’s military industry has supplied Ukraine even before the full scale invasion and Turkish policy has been full throated in its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity - including Crimea.

Turkish policy is complex and, to use the words of a former NATO assistant Secretary General - compartmentalised. It often involves cooperation even with potential strategic rivals, and sometimes tense and transactional interactions with general allies. In this episode I wanted to explore the nation’s defence capabilities, economic and strategic situation, and see how that may have helped inform Erdogan’s policy in Ukraine - and how that policy may impact the war going forward.