Europe | Frenemies

Turkey’s rapprochement with Russia may not survive the war in Ukraine

It’s not easy being a member of NATO and a friend of Vladimir Putin

|ISTANBUL

TRAFFIC ON THE Bosporus, the waterway that splits Istanbul and connects the Marmara and Black seas, has been busier than usual of late, and more dangerous. Making their way past supertankers, passenger ferries and the occasional pod of dolphins are Russian warships heading north towards Ukraine. Since the start of February, at least six Russian amphibious assault ships, as well as a Kilo-class submarine, have passed through. Russia now has four such submarines in the Black sea, each armed with missiles capable of striking targets anywhere in Ukraine.

This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Frenemies”

Where will he stop?

From the February 26th 2022 edition

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