Commentary

Turkey edges closer to Russia amid US sanctions

But move carries risks as Ankara could find itself becoming segregated from the West

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (far left) meeting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Tuesday. Both countries are drawing closer to each other largely because of the US imposing sanctions on them, says the writer.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (left) meeting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara on Tuesday. Both countries are drawing closer to each other largely because of the US imposing sanctions on them, says the writer. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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Russia and Turkey are getting closer, thanks largely to the United States imposing sanctions on both and confirming, yet again, the old adage that nothing is permanent in politics.

Turkey and Russia have come a long way, since ties nosedived after Turkish forces shot down a Russian fighter jet in 2015 with both countries on the opposite sides of the conflict in Syria.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 19, 2018, with the headline Turkey edges closer to Russia amid US sanctions. Subscribe