War against Ukraine: EU criticizes closeness between Turkey and Russia

The close cooperation between Turkish President Erdogan and Kremlin chief Putin is causing dissatisfaction in the EU. The EU foreign policy chief Borrell speaks of “cause for great concern” – and urges the implementation of the sanctions.

The European Union is concerned that Turkey’s partnership with Russia is too close, despite Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and harsh Western sanctions against Moscow. The deepening of economic relations between Turkey and Russia gives “reason for great concern,” according to a letter from EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to the EU Parliament, quoted by the Funke media group.

Turkey’s continued policy “not to join the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia” is also worrying. According to the report, Borrell pointed out that the EU and Turkey form a customs union and thus grant free movement of goods, which also includes “dual use” goods – i.e. goods that can be used for civil and military purposes. It is important that Turkey does not offer Russia any workarounds, Borrell warned.

“Strengthen Corridor”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today. The aim is to “strengthen” the corridor for cargo ships in the Black Sea set up with the grain agreement, Erdogan announced. He did not give details.

Mediated by Turkey and the United Nations, Russia and Ukraine signed an agreement in July to export Ukrainian grain via a corridor in the Black Sea. The agreement ended a months-long blockade on Ukraine’s grain exports as a result of Russia’s war of aggression. Ships en route to or from Ukrainian ports are checked at a joint center in Istanbul by teams made up of Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and UN representatives.