That while a year ago Russia still shrugged at the possible NATO membership of both Sweden and Finland. “It’s different now,” says Bosman. “Foreign Minister Lavrov says this demonstrates NATO’s hostility towards Russia.” Therefore, the nervousness in the country is increasing.
End of Putin
The Kremlin used to react quite stoically to Turkey’s obligations to NATO, but that too has changed. Last week, Turkey released commanders who had actually been ordered not to do so until the end of the fighting in Ukraine was near. “The fact that it happened now is negative. Especially in combination with Turkey’s decision to veto Sweden’s NATO membership,” says Bosman.
“Erdogan is losing faith in Putin, according to a Russian political scientist”
It therefore appears that the relationship between Russia and Turkey is cooling down, as Turkey has shown support for Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine. Bosman notes that the dialogue is changing. “A Russian political scientist told independent state television that Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan acknowledges that President Putin’s end may be near.”
Draw on the wall
According to the correspondent from Russia, this means that Erdogan will bet on other horses. “It’s a writing on the wall. It indicates that the Turkish prime minister is losing faith in the Russian president. And that Putin, especially after the failed mutiny of the Wagner group, might not stay in office much longer,’ says Bosman.