Ilya Tsukanov
Europe is in the midst of its worst energy and inflationary crisis since the 1970s Arab oil embargo, with the catastrophe sparked by European leaders' decision to dramatically reduce the purchase of Russian energy supplies to try to "punish" Russia for its military operation in Ukraine. Turkey has so far managed to avoid the worst of the crisis.
Europe should not have "underestimated" Russia, and should have thought about the consequences of the current energy crisis ahead of time, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested.
"I don't see a speedy resolution [of the crisis in Ukraine]. But I say to those who underestimate Russia: you are wrong. Russia is not a country that can be underestimated. Russia reduced deliveries of gas and prices in Europe ballooned. Everyone is engaged in pensive thought on the problem. Why didn't you think about it earlier?" Erdogan asked, speaking at a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Wednesday.
"Of course Russia will use all the means at its disposal when everyone attacks it. We hope to reach peace as soon as possible to stop this matter. Let the world find peace again," Erdogan said.
"I can say very clearly that I don't think the attitude of the West [toward the Ukrainian crisis] is correct. Because the West is pursuing a policy based on provocations," the Turkish president added, suggesting that Turkey's position on the issue has been far more "balanced."
Like Serbia, Turkey has been able to avoid the worst of the energy crisis pummeling its European neighbors by maintaining its energy ties with Russia. Last month, Ankara announced a switch of part of its payments for Russian gas to rubles. The country has also continued its purchases of Russian oil. Furthermore, Turkey and Russia are engaged in cooperation on the construction of a massive nuclear power plant at Akkuyu in southern Turkey. Once operational, the plant will provide Turkey with up to 10 percent of its electricity needs.
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