Russia’s Ambassador to Ankara: We Respect Türkiye’s Choice of NATO Membership

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s June 16–17 visit to Moscow was significant in several respects. Fidan not only met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He also conveyed a message from President Tayyip Erdoğan to Russian President Vladimir Putin, briefed the Russian side on the U.S.-Iran understanding and Türkiye’s role in it, and held talks with Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.

Another topic discussed during Fidan’s two-day contacts in Moscow was the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7–8. Russia regards NATO as an adversary. The war that began with Russia’s military operation in Ukraine in 2022 continues despite heavy casualties on both sides. The conflict threatens not only Eastern and Northern Europe but also security in the Black Sea. Most recently, another commercial vessel was struck within Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone, prompting Ankara to once again warn both parties.

I had the opportunity to discuss these issues with Russia’s new Ambassador to Ankara, Sergey Vershinin.

Russia’s Expectations from NATO

Vershinin is among the most senior diplomats ever appointed by Russia as ambassador to Ankara. His previous post was Deputy Foreign Minister between 2018 and 2026. In that role, he oversaw Russia’s engagement at the United Nations, international diplomacy and security affairs, as well as the Middle East and North Africa. Earlier, from 2011 to 2020, during the Arab Spring crises, he headed the Foreign Ministry’s Middle East and North Africa Department.

Below is our interview in Ankara, including the issues raised by Hakan Fidan during his Moscow visit:

– The NATO Summit to be held in Ankara on July 7–8 is expected to address not only Eastern Europe but also security in the Black Sea and the Middle East. What are your expectations?

– I do not know what is on NATO’s agenda. We have no connection with this alliance. Nevertheless, we follow developments closely. Our expectation from the NATO Summit is that it takes into account the new realities of the world.

Military Solutions and Ukraine

– What do you mean by the new realities of the world?

– It should now be understood that military intervention is not a solution. There is no room for military solutions.

– You say there is no room for military solutions anymore. Does that not contradict Russia’s policy toward Ukraine?

– Our position on Ukraine is clear. We support the start of dialogue and addressing the root causes of the conflict. However, we also see that NATO stands behind the Kyiv regime. Supplying it with weapons serves no purpose other than encouraging its terrorist activities and makes progress toward peace and security in the region more difficult.

The Black Sea and Montreux

– Turning to Black Sea security, another commercial vessel was recently struck within Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone, and Türkiye also warned Russia. Will the threat to the safety of commercial shipping come to an end?

– As you know, in line with the spirit and substance of the Montreux Convention, Türkiye is one of the guarantors of security and stability in the Black Sea region. We remain in close contact with our Turkish partners to minimize risks. The continuing provocations of the Ukrainian regime are a clear indication of its true nature and its lack of capacity for negotiations.

Broad Cooperation Despite NATO

– Türkiye is one of the few NATO members that continues to maintain relations with Russia. How do you think close Türkiye-Russia relations have been able to continue despite NATO membership?

– Russia and Türkiye have many shared areas of interest. The scope for cooperation is extensive. These areas include the economy, tourism, energy, environmental issues, and even military-technical ties. Yes, Türkiye is a NATO member, and we respect the choice made by our Turkish partners. Looking at the broader picture, we should continue developing areas that serve the mutual interests and benefit of our peoples and create conditions for the prosperity of both countries.

A Critical Period

Turkish-Russian relations are entering a new phase as the NATO Summit in Ankara approaches.

The issues to be discussed at the Ankara Summit—described by the United States as one of the most important NATO meetings in recent years—extend beyond NATO’s military and financial restructuring, strongly advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump. They also concern the Ukraine conflict, Black Sea security, and the Middle East.

When Vershinin says “we are following developments closely,” he is referring not only to Russia’s efforts to overcome the difficulties it faces over Ukraine but also to the possibility of encountering new sources of pressure along its southern flank.

For its part, Türkiye appears determined to continue fulfilling its NATO commitments while also preserving a balanced relationship with Russia in line with its national interests, despite possible pressure from the West. It is equally clear that this is what Moscow expects from Ankara.