Ankara, March 13 (Reuters) - Turkey is considered a crucial potential partner in the restructuring of European security, according to diplomats and analysts, amid Europe's efforts to enhance defense capabilities and secure guarantees for Ukraine in any upcoming ceasefire agreement backed by the United States.
The uncertain situation stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy to resolve the Ukraine conflict, involving a shift in Washington's approach and increased pressure on Kyiv, has compelled European countries to seek ways to strengthen Ukraine's military capacity and establish security assurances independently from the U.S., presenting Turkey with a unique opportunity to strengthen ties with Europe. Despite ongoing disagreements regarding the rule of law, maritime disputes with Greece and Cyprus, and Turkey's stalled EU membership bid, analysts suggest that Turkey's involvement is increasingly vital.
Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat and director of the Centre for Economic and Foreign Policy Studies (EDAM), highlighted that European nations are realizing the importance of involving Turkey in security discussions, stating, "European countries that thought they had the luxury of excluding Turkey until today are now seeing that they cannot exclude Turkey anymore."
As European leaders engage in discussions around potential security collaboration, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as a central figure due to his adept handling of relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. With Turkey being a key NATO member possessing the alliance's second-largest military force and a growing defense industry, Europe's consideration of Turkey's role in the restructured security framework has become essential.
While specific details on Turkey's contribution to the new security architecture remain unclear, Turkish officials stress the need for a comprehensive partnership approach. A Turkish official indicated that Turkey's inclusion in initiatives like the European Peace Facility program could be a starting point for enhanced cooperation. Emphasizing mutual interests in areas such as counter-terrorism and migration, Turkish officials underscored the importance of Turkey's full engagement in EU defense initiatives for Europe to establish a stronger global presence.
However, Turkey's relationship with Russia remains a significant factor, as Ankara's refusal to impose sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its extensive economic ties with Moscow pose challenges. Sinan Ulgen emphasized that Ankara must define its stance towards Russia to assume a more substantial security role in Europe.
Despite the complex dynamics, Turkey has actively supported Ukraine and offered to contribute to a potential peacekeeping operation, showcasing its commitment to regional stability. As European discussions progress, recognizing Turkey's role in security guarantees for Ukraine is crucial, given its strategic interests and evolving relationships within the region.