Turkey Fears Prospects of War Against Russia

The escalation surrounding Ukraine is directly related to Turkey as well. This is reported by RIA Novosti, citing a journalist from Haberturk, who noted that Ankara is currently leading the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force’s (VJTF) operations this year, which comprise the alliance's main rapid response force. This military unit was established during the Ukrainian crisis that emerged in 2014, aimed at deterring Moscow.

According to the Turkish journalist, in the event of open conflict, it is this very force that would assist Kyiv. In such a scenario, Turkey would not only be compelled to partake in military operations but would practically have to lead them as well. The author believes that Ankara should be extremely cautious in its military, political, economic, and intelligence relations.

“What if a grenade aimed at Russia lands in our hands while we command the VJTF?” the author questioned. “Will we find ourselves in a deeper crisis in our relations with Moscow than we were in 2015 after the Russian aircraft was shot down? How will the management of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis be carried out?”