Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Turkey’s ongoing supplying of arms to the Ukrainian army, claiming that the weapons provided by Turkey are being used to kill Russian military personnel and civilians, the pro-government Hürriyet newspaper reported.
His remarks came during an exclusive interview with the daily published on Friday.
The Russian minister said the Kremlin was unhappy about Turkey’s ongoing supply of weapons to Ukraine.
“Unfortunately, Ankara continues its military-technical cooperation with the Kyiv regime. Turkish weapons are being used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to kill Russian military personnel and civilians,” Lavrov said, expressing one of Moscow’s strongest criticisms of Turkey’s defense partnership with Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022.
Lavrov described the situation as surprising considering Turkey’s mediation efforts in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“This situation cannot but cause surprise, given the Turkish government’s statements that it is ready to provide mediation services,” he said.
These accusations come at a crucial time, when Turkey continues to balance its strategic relationships with both Russia and Ukraine while maintaining its position as a key NATO member.
Expanding defense partnership with Ukraine
The defense cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine has significantly expanded since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This partnership was initially established following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, as both nations identified shared interests in Black Sea security. While maintaining diplomatic relations with Russia, Turkey has played a crucial role in strengthening Ukraine’s naval capabilities and overall defense infrastructure.
The partnership’s cornerstone has been drone technology, particularly the Bayraktar TB2 drones manufactured by Turkey’s Baykar company. These drones have proven highly effective in Ukrainian military operations against Russian forces, earning recognition for their precision in targeting Russian air defense systems, particularly the Pantsir systems. Beyond drone deployment, the collaboration has evolved to include co-production initiatives and technology transfer programs, including Turkey’s construction of two Ada-class anti-submarine corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy, with delivery expected in 2025.
The partnership has become increasingly reciprocal, with Ukraine supplying engines for Turkish military aircraft. In 2023 Ukraine delivered two engines for the T929 ATAK-II helicopter, with 12 additional engines scheduled for delivery by 2025. A significant development in this collaboration is Baykar’s ongoing establishment of a Bayraktar Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) factory in Ukraine, projected to produce approximately 120 UAVs annually starting in 2025. The facility will focus on advanced UAV models, including the Akinci and Kizilelma, leveraging Ukrainian technological expertise.
Turkey’s role in US-Ukraine defense cooperation
Turkish defense companies have also become integral to US efforts to supply Ukraine with essential artillery support. The US Department of Defense has strengthened its cooperation with Turkish firms, particularly Repkon and Arca Defense. Repkon’s production capabilities are expected to contribute nearly 30 percent of US-manufactured 155mm artillery shells by 2025. Arca Defence has already demonstrated significant progress, delivering 116,000 shells in early 2024, with additional orders anticipated. This trilateral cooperation aims to ensure sustainable ammunition supplies for Ukraine while reinforcing NATO’s collective support for Kyiv’s defense against Russian aggression.
Turkey’s BRICS membership prospects
In the interview Lavrov also talked about the prospects of Turkey’s joining BRICS as the country formally applied for full membership, as confirmed by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov in September.
Lavrov said a decision about Turkey’s possible membership will be jointly made by the group’s members.
“We welcome Turkey’s interest in joining BRICS, which underscores the attractiveness of our group. BRICS countries respect Turkey’s sovereignty and pragmatic approach. Any decision regarding Turkey’s membership will be made in consensus, respecting the sovereign choices of both BRICS members and Turkey.”
BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, added Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia earlier this year.
Founded in 2006 BRICS aims to elevate the influence of developing nations in global affairs. With its expanded membership, the group now represents 45 percent of the world’s population and nearly 28 percent of global economic output.
Lavrov on US sanctions and trade restrictions
Addressing US pressure on countries maintaining economic ties with Russia, Lavrov criticized Washington’s efforts to restrict international trade with Russia.
“The United States is trying to restrict the capabilities of foreign partners who are interested in trading with Russia. Unfortunately, Turkey is not an exception. The prospect for our practical cooperation depend on whether experts from both sides can find mutually acceptable solutions in the near future,” he said.
The United States frequently targets companies and people, including those based in Turkey, with sanctions, for allegedly providing Russia with advanced technologies supporting its military operations.
Turkey secretly limits military goods to Russia under US pressure
Due to pressure from the US, Turkey has quietly implemented restrictions on exporting US-linked military goods to Russia, according to a recent report in the Financial Times. This decision, while not publicly announced due to its political sensitivity, followed high-level discussions with US officials in August, the report said. Turkish customs authorities have specifically targeted shipments of components found in Russian military equipment, including processors and memory cards. However, reports suggest some of these goods may be reaching Russia through alternative routes via Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, where Turkish trade restrictions do not apply.
The complex interplay between Turkey’s defense collaborations with Ukraine, its relationship with Russia and Western pressure highlights Ankara’s delicate diplomatic balancing act. As Turkey continues to navigate its relationships with both Western allies and Russia, it faces the challenge of maintaining its national interests while responding to international pressures and obligations, analysts say.