Turkey-Russia: Where is the Key to the Settlement of the Relations?

• 05.31.2016, 15:03
• Hermine Mkhitaryan
•  Region,  World

In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement about his commitment to enhance relations with Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu proposed to form a joint working group with Russia, which would be aimed at normalizing bilateral relations.

The Turkish official even did not highlighted the nature of the proposed body - whether it is official or non-official, stressing that the most important is that it will help to find a common way for the settlement of the existing contradictions. According to the Turkish side this is the "first step" needed to normalize relations. But is this what Russia was talking about? Actually, no.

Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly explained what exactly he means saying that concrete action Turkey should take to settle the situation. The first step is "apology" for a Russian fighter-jet downed by Turkish forces in November 2015. It seems it was not possible to demand something more difficult.

It is obvious that today's Turkey will not take that step. For Erdogan it is a matter of principle. Moreover, strained relations between Russia and Turkey have reached a level that all are waiting to see who will be the first to yield. In today’s reality the impression is that at least now Russia is not going to yield his positions.

The Russian Mass Media continues to publish different materials showing how much Turkey have suffered and continues to suffer economically in result of Russian embargo imposed on Turkish goods and the lack of Russian tourists. Of course, it is undeniable that Russia also feels the negative impact caused by the strained relations. Both states are interested in normalization of relations, but the question is who will be the first to yield and for what. The answer of these questions will be extremely critical in determining Turkey-Russia further distribution of roles in the region.