Ukrainian envoy: Türkiye can not view Russia as strategic ally

Türkiye can not view Russia as a strategic ally, as a defeat for Ukraine could ultimately place Ankara itself under threat, Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye Nariman Dzhelyal has said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

Dzhelyal argued that while Türkiye can maintain economic ties with Russia, a deeper strategic partnership would not serve Turkish national interests. He warned that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it may set its sights on the Caucasus—and potentially Türkiye—next, Caliber.Az reports. 

The ambassador emphasised that Türkiye has legitimate aspirations for regional leadership, but asserted that such leadership is only achievable through partnerships with other nations, particularly Ukraine.

He suggested that Turkish policymakers increasingly recognise the risks posed by Russian aggression, especially in the context of Black Sea security.

Dzhelyal also pointed to Russia’s long-standing geopolitical ambitions, recalling Moscow’s historical interest in controlling the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to secure access to the Mediterranean Sea.

He claimed that Türkiye’s current policy of keeping the straits closed indirectly serves those ambitions.

He concluded that while Türkiye continues to act in line with its own national interests, any objective and security-minded Turkish politician would ultimately find alignment with Ukraine to be more beneficial in the broader geopolitical landscape.

By Sabina Mammadli