3 scenarios for Russian-Turkish ties after Idlib crisis
It seems
that the Russian support to the Syrian army in Idlib has incurred a rift
between Ankara and Moscow on the back of accusations between the two sides with
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressing that Russia is complying with
the Sochi and Astana agreements. Erdogan said he had called on Russia to stop
bombing Idlib.
However,
Russia’s response was shocking, as its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that
the activities of takfiri groups escalated in Idlib, citing that these groups have
repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement.
Moreover,
Lavrov said his country would support the Syrian army by all means in
combatting the terrorist groups, referring to Erdogan's support to these
groups.
Erdogan's
support to the terrorist organizations has been undeniable crime with the Turkish
intelligence service meeting with terrorist groups at the Bab al-Hawa border
crossing. Ankara called on these groups
to fight to death and provided them with the US-made TOW missiles.
Moreover,
Erdogan has given $50 million to Ukraine in light of the conflict between Kiev
and Moscow over Crimea. Erdogan said he would recognize Russia's annexation of
Crimea. He stressed that his country would observe the situation of Crimean
Turks.
In
fact, Erdogan's statements reflect his obvious contradictions. While he is
boosting cooperation with Moscow, he is trying to do the same with Ukraine to
get the US and European support to join the European Union.
Moreover,
Erdogan is seeking to avenge Russia’s support to the Syrian army in Idlib. The failed
ceasefire, which was signed in January between Russia and Turkey, has deepened disagreement
between Ankara and Moscow. Moreover, the Russian-backed Syrian army is laying
siege to a number of 12 Turkish checkpoints in Idlib.
In
conclusion, we may say that the Russian-Turkish ties will go through a test,
which will determine the strength of the present coalition between the two
countries.