Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed surprise at Turkey’s continued military support for Ukraine while simultaneously offering to mediate in the conflict.
In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, Lavrov remarked on Turkey’s provision of weapons to Ukraine, stating, “Turkish weapons are used by the Ukrainian armed forces to kill Russian military personnel and civilians.” He noted that this situation is unexpected, especially considering Turkey’s claims of readiness to facilitate mediation efforts.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NATO member Turkey has attempted to balance its relations with both countries. While Ankara has backed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and supplied it with armed drones and other military aid, it has also strengthened its energy ties with Russia and resisted Western sanctions against Moscow.
Turkey initially hosted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine shortly after the invasion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has frequently expressed interest in brokering further discussions. However, Ukraine has remained firm in its refusal to engage directly with Russia, and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that Kyiv has rejected two ceasefire proposals from Moscow.
Lavrov’s comments come as Turkey continues to supply various military equipment to Ukraine, including Bayraktar TB2 drones, heavy machine guns, laser-guided missiles, electronic warfare systems, armored vehicles, and protective gear.
According to a report by the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), Turkey’s defense and aviation sector reached record exports of $5.5 billion in 2023, marking a 27.1% increase from the previous year. Approximately 5.3% of those exports were to Ukraine, a figure comparable to exports to Azerbaijan (5.1%) and Poland (4.9%), but significantly less than the 16.7% share that went to the U.S.
Turkey’s Balancing Act
Turkey and Ukraine entered into a Military Framework Agreement in October 2020, focusing on military intelligence sharing, defense industry collaboration, and mutual training initiatives. During Erdoğan’s pre-invasion visit to Kyiv on February 4, 2022, the two nations signed multiple agreements, including a free trade deal.
Kürşad Zorlu, a member of the Turkish Parliament’s IYI Party, highlighted the deep defense industry cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine, stating, “Turkey’s goal of ensuring the sustainability of this relationship is understandable.”
However, Ankara is also keen to strengthen ties with Moscow, increasing collaboration in trade, tourism, and energy since the invasion. In recent months, Turkey has expressed interest in joining the BRICS economic bloc, which has expanded this year to include several new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
During a recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Erdoğan met with Putin, where discussions included proposals for Black Sea shipping and the establishment of a grain corridor. Erdoğan reiterated his desire to initiate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible.
Military analysts have noted a significant increase in Russian military advances in Ukraine since September, underscoring Russia’s advantages in manpower and resources, while Kyiv continues to call for increased support and weapons from its Western allies.