Critical question days before the elections: Why does the Kremlin need Erdogan to win?

The French news agency AFP made a remarkable statement ahead of this Sunday’s vote… The news agency, headlined “Ukraine, Syria, NATO: Why the Kremlin needs Erdogan to win,” said: “This Sunday , the Turks will vote in the historic presidential election and, according to experts, he hopes that Erdogan, who has ruled the country for a long time in the Kremlin, will win.

While it was pointed out that the candidate who will emerge victorious from the elections may have a say on many issues, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, the war in Syria, and the Kremlin’s fight against NATO, Erdogan said: a well-known person. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu accuses Moscow of interfering in the elections.

“RUSSIA BREATHE EASY”

Speaking to AFP, a Western diplomat commented: “After the results of the first round, Russia sighed with relief.” In the news, it was noted that Erdogan and Putin clashed in the Middle East and the Caucasus in many areas, but despite this, the two names were working together and Erdogan are seen as reliable partners.”

Speaking to AFP, foreign relations expert Fyodor Lukyanov, known for his closeness to the Kremlin, said: “There are many conflicts in their interests. But the long-lasting, personal relationship between the two leaders goes a long way. They find a way to progress in many different areas,” he said.

“NO BIRTHDAY BETWEEN YOU”

A Western diplomat who spoke to AFP and declined to be named said the relationship between the two names was pragmatic. “They are very good at segmenting relationships. They can put aside their differences and work together for their own benefit. There is no bromance between Erdogan and Putin, this is purely transactional,” he said.

It was pointed out that Turkey assumed the role of mediator thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war that has been going on for more than a year, and it was also recalled that Ankara did not participate in the Western sanctions. In this process, it was also pointed out that Türkiye is an alternative to Russia.