Le Monde: Türkiye emerges as a critical security player in a weakening EU

On February 17, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted European leaders, NATO, and EU officials at the Elysée Palace to reaffirm support for Ukraine, but the absence of Türkiye, NATO's second-largest military power, was notable.

Despite growing frustration among EU officials at not being invited, Türkiye's role in European security cannot be overstated, Caliber.Az reports, citing French newspaper Le Monde.

This absence was quickly addressed following a tense altercation at the White House on February 28, involving U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Eleven days later, on March 2, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer invited Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to a crisis summit in London, reflecting Türkiye’s importance in discussions around European security.

Türkiye remains an indispensable member of the Atlantic Alliance, especially as Europe grapples with Washington’s shifting stance.

One of Türkiye's most significant assets is its ability to cooperate with Russia while simultaneously limiting its influence. This was evident in the Syrian conflict, where Türkiye was able to shift the balance of power. 

Following the meeting at the Elysée, discussions unfolded in Riyadh between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with Ukraine once again at the forefront. On the same day, President Erdoğan welcomed Zelenskyy in Ankara, reinforcing Türkiye’s key position in shaping Ukraine’s future. Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, stating that "Ukraine, Europe in a broad sense – including the European Union, Türkiye, and the UK – should be involved in discussions and the development of security guarantees with America."

Despite Erdoğan’s diplomatic relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Türkiye has remained a staunch supporter of Ukraine, seeking to defend Kyiv's territorial integrity and counter Moscow's expansionist ambitions. Türkiye sees Russia’s aggression in the Black Sea as a direct threat to its geopolitical and energy security. The annexation of Crimea, the invasion of Ukraine, and Russia's influence in the Black Sea are all viewed by Ankara as destabilising forces that must be countered.

In the early days of Russia’s invasion, Türkiye acted decisively by invoking the Montreux Convention, closing the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russian warships. This move, while presented as neutrality, severely limited Russia's ability to reinforce its Black Sea fleet. Türkiye’s support for Ukraine is not just a diplomatic stance—it strengthens Türkiye's own strategic position by limiting Russia’s expansion in the region.

Türkiye has also provided vital military support to Ukraine, most notably with the Bayraktar TB2 drones. These drones, which had previously proven effective in conflicts like Libya, played a key role in Ukraine’s success by targeting Russian armored columns and ships. This military aid showcases Türkiye’s ability to balance its relationships, providing essential support to Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic channels with Moscow.

Türkiye’s ability to play both sides without resorting to Western sanctions against Russia is a delicate balancing act that has drawn European attention. The country remains open to contributing to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, should a truce be reached. With its military expertise and technological capabilities, Türkiye is well-positioned to assist in any future peacekeeping efforts.

In the context of a weakened European Union, Türkiye’s role as a "contradictory power," as described by European law researcher Alexis Coskun, is vital. As Europe confronts its own strategic awakening, Türkiye’s influence will continue to grow, making it an essential player in shaping the future security architecture of the continent.

By Aghakazim Guliyev