The statement of the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, about the return of Crimea to Ukraine caused a significant resonance in international circles. This came as a surprise to many, given Turkey's traditionally difficult relations with Ukraine and Russia. However, analyst Yuri Bohdanov believes that this position of Erdogan is not sensational, but is part of the usual multi-vector nature of Turkish foreign policy, which is based on strategic interests.
There, the sultan declared that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine. Which reminds us once again how much Turkey in general and Erdogan as its leader in particular is trying to play all the chessboards at the same time. Which annoys almost everyone except himself and his associates.
So. Why does Erdogan simultaneously want to join BRICS and supports the return of Crimea?
The first is the same Turkic world. Erdogan regularly emphasizes the priority of protecting the Crimean Tatars, who have Turkic roots. Turkey has long supported this community and opposes violations of their rights in the occupied territory.
For approximately the same reason, Turkey has a complicated relationship with China. Because of the Uighurs. And the factor of influence on Turkic communities and peoples in other countries is considered as a tool to influence the politics of these countries, even if they are such giants as China and Russia.
The second is the factor of territorial integrity. Turkey, like a bunch of other countries that have not fully resolved territorial disputes or separatist movements, will always support the legitimate territorial integrity of other countries. The only exception to this rule was the independence of Kosovo and Northern Cyprus, but this is primarily a religious factor.
The third factor is the Black Sea and regional politics. It is strategically in the interests of Turkey to maintain an adequate balance and security in the Black Sea. Russia's control of Crimea creates an imbalance in the latter's favor and creates challenges for Ankara, which seeks to increase its influence in the Black Sea, ensure calm trade in the region and not pose threats to its strategic straits in the Sea of Marmara. Therefore, the Ukrainian Crimea is a much more attractive scenario.
Erdogan is trying to maintain a balance in relations with Russia and Ukraine, which is important for his regional policy. Despite strategic projects with Moscow in energy and several other fields, Turkey continues to strengthen ties with Ukraine, especially in the military and economic spheres.
The fourth is balancing between the West and the East. By advocating the return of Crimea to Ukraine, Erdogan is sending a signal to NATO and Western partners that he supports international law. This is another reminder of "yes, we are, of course, a specific NATO member, but we are a NATO member, we just want to protect our interests first."
Fifth, Erdogan wants to establish Turkey as a logistical and geopolitical superhub. That is why he leads his country - a member of NATO in BRICS. BRICS should not be considered as some kind of "union". There are too many contradictions between its members, and all of them are united only by acceptable (partnership or neutral) relations with Russia. But BRICS can be considered as a diplomatic platform.
That is why Ankara is climbing there. To strengthen its economic and political positions at the global level, to gain additional entrances to Africa and Asia, to diversify its policy.
On the one hand, Turkey supports Ukraine and the West in the Crimea issue, but at the same time, it is looking for opportunities to expand cooperation with BRICS, where Russia plays a key role.
Turkey seeks to obtain maximum political and economic tools by maintaining contacts with all participants of the regatta. And for this, making a statement on Crimea is a normal price. Especially since Turkey is too important for Russia to protest in any way.
This policy is a policy of balancing opposing interests. And - it must be admitted - this is where Erdoğan demonstrates real skill.
