RussoTurkish

Russo-Turkish describes the long-standing relationship between Russia and Turkey, encompassing the territories of the former Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Soviet Union, and the modern Republic of Turkey. The relationship has been shaped by competition and cooperation in politics, warfare, diplomacy, trade, energy, and culture, and it has profoundly influenced security dynamics around the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

From the 17th through the 19th centuries, the two powers fought several Russo-Turkish Wars over influence in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and access to the Black Sea. Wars produced mixed gains and concessions, while periods of diplomacy and alliance also occurred. The decline of the Ottoman and Russian empires after World War I led to a redefinition of borders and relations, with the Turkish Republic pursuing a westward orientation and Russia reorienting toward the Soviet system.

During the Cold War, Turkey joined NATO in 1952, aligning with the Western bloc while occasional rapprochements with the Soviet Union occurred in economic or diplomatic forms. In the post-Soviet era, ties gradually warmed, with energy collaboration becoming central—most notably the TurkStream pipeline and the Akkuyu nuclear power project. The two sides have cooperated on regional conflicts, especially in Syria, while also experiencing tensions over issues such as missile defense, Ukraine-related policy, and sanctions.

Today, Russo-Turkish relations are characterized by pragmatic cooperation and competitive rivalry. Turkey seeks to preserve good relations with Moscow to advance its energy and defense interests, while maintaining its position within NATO and Western alliances. Russia and Turkey continue to engage in diplomacy, trade, and security arrangements, making their bilateral relationship a key factor in regional stability and geopolitics.