Turkey: key strategic partner for Ukraine in the Black Sea region

Turkey is not just Ukraine’s neighbor. It is a country with a deep history, powerful influence, and its own vision of its role in the Black Sea region. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, its position has remained complex, yet principled.

Ankara has consistently supported and continues to support Ukraine's territorial integrity. It recognizes Crimea as Ukrainian and the Crimean Tatar people as free.

However, Turkey is the only NATO country that has not imposed sanctions on Russia. At the same time, it is one of the first, sometimes behind the scenes but systematically, to provide assistance to the Ukrainian military, including supplying weapons.

In this delicate balance of interests lies the key to understanding Turkish policy. Its security depends both on the situation in Syria, where Ankara's and Moscow’s interests diverge, and on the stability of the entire Black Sea region, which Russia is trying to undermine.

It is symbolic and telling that when UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initiated a meeting of the coalition of allies in London, Turkey also sent its representative — despite not being a formal member of the EU. This reflects its interest in European stability and its unwillingness to allow Russian dominance in the region.

That is why our dialogues with Turkey on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum were extremely important. Our Turkish partners understand Ukraine’s position, even if they have their own national interests that compel them to act cautiously. But in one thing we are united — in the desire for Ukraine’s victory.

The Antalya Forum is one of the world's top five security forums. And the fact that Ukraine’s voice is heard here loudly and confidently is of great importance.

I want to thank the conference organizers and the members of the Ukrainian delegation. Among them are my colleagues Mustafa Dzhemilev, Akhtem Chiygoz, Chairman of the Mejlis Refat Chubarov, and other members of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. Also speaking at the forum was Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. His remarks were quoted here far more often than those of Lavrov, who clearly felt out of place in Antalya.

Turkey remains an important partner for Ukraine. And we must value this dialogue — complex, yet sincere.

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About the author. Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.