By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Zelensky, Turkish President Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Turkey offered itself as a potential mediator for talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war and achieve lasting peace. Erdoğan’s statement follows a recent meeting between Russian and US delegations in Riyadh, where both sides agreed to continue dialogue towards conflict resolution. Ankara’s position highlights its proactive role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Read the original article here
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is nonnegotiable for Turkey, President Erdoğan has declared, a stance that has surprised many given the complex geopolitical landscape. This unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s borders, however, makes strategic sense when considering Turkey’s own security interests and historical context.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is paramount for Turkey because of the Black Sea’s significance. The Black Sea is vital to Turkey, with the country possessing the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the region. A Russian-controlled Black Sea would represent a direct threat to Turkey’s maritime interests and potentially its security. Therefore, opposing any Russian territorial gains in Ukraine is intrinsically linked to Turkey’s self-preservation.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is viewed as nonnegotiable by Turkey due to its historical relationship with Russia. Centuries of conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Russia, including numerous wars, have shaped a deeply rooted antagonism. Erdoğan’s stance aligns with a long-standing Turkish perception of Russia as a historical adversary, making any Russian expansionism in the region a major concern.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is also a point of agreement for Turkey because of the strategic implications for the region. The potential for a Russian victory in Ukraine presents a ripple effect of instability across the Black Sea, possibly emboldening Russia to further its expansionist ambitions. This could threaten not only Ukraine, but also neighboring countries, potentially destabilizing the entire region. Turkey, having a strong military presence in the region, has a vested interest in maintaining stability.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is further reinforced by Turkey’s desire to maintain a strong geopolitical profile. By firmly supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Turkey positions itself as a significant player in the region, enhancing its global influence and leverage. This approach allows Turkey to solidify its image as a pivotal actor in international diplomacy and strengthens its relationship with key allies.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is, therefore, more than just a matter of principle for Turkey. It’s a calculated decision rooted in self-interest, historical context, and a desire for regional stability. Erdoğan’s stance underscores the complex interplay of geopolitical factors that shape Turkey’s foreign policy, revealing a pragmatism often overlooked in the global discussion. The unexpected alignment of interests between Turkey and Ukraine on this critical issue underlines the unpredictable nature of international relations and the potential for surprising alliances based on shared security concerns.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while perhaps surprising given Erdoğan’s history, represents a strategic calculation for Turkey. Maintaining a robust, independent Ukraine directly serves to contain Russia’s influence in the Black Sea, mitigating potential threats to Turkey’s own security and economic interests. This pragmatic stance should not be interpreted solely as support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, but rather as a self-preservation strategy informed by centuries of conflict with Russia.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity’s importance for Turkey also highlights the limitations of solely focusing on ideological alignment in international relations. While ideological differences exist, shared strategic interests can create alliances that might otherwise seem unlikely. This instance underscores the complexities of foreign policy decision-making, revealing that pragmatism and calculated self-interest often trump ideological considerations.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a subject which showcases the complexities of international politics. Erdoğan’s stance, while potentially surprising, is a calculated move reflecting a deep understanding of geopolitical realities and Turkey’s own security interests. The situation illustrates that unexpected alliances can emerge from common security threats, highlighting the importance of considering national interests when evaluating international partnerships.
Ukraine’s territorial integrity as a nonnegotiable position for Turkey is, in essence, a testament to the fluidity and unpredictability of the international stage. While some might view Erdoğan’s support as an unexpected turn of events, a deeper examination reveals a calculated decision that places Turkey’s national interests at the forefront. This ultimately underscores the fact that national interests, often overlapping and intertwined, remain the primary driver of international relations.