Conundrum For Turkey’s Erdogan, Putin Gives Him an Ultimatum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right).

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made an unusual request for his upcoming visit to Turkey, demanding an escort of Russian fighter jets.

This move could potentially trigger NATO air defenses in Turkey.

Fighter Jet Request

This request is highly unusual and could activate NATO air defenses in Turkey.
The visit is tentatively planned for early October, but the fighter jet issue remains unresolved.

NATO air defenses could detect Russian fighter jets as a threat.

Ankara is not inclined to shut off alliance systems to accommodate Putin’s request.
The issue of Russian fighter jets makes the visit unlikely.

Over the years, Turkey’s status as a NATO member has been questioned due to its occasional counter-NATO stances.

However, it is believed that President Erdogan is strategically balancing national interests by maintaining relations with both NATO and Russia.
Turkey supports Ukraine’s bid to join NATO while keeping communication lines with Moscow open.
Turkey is deemed a crucial NATO member as it controls access to the Black Sea, blocking new warships from entering the area around Ukraine.