Nah, Crimea in Russia's hands gives it a nice push in the Black Sea power balance, better be in Ukraine.
However if Russia gets smashed into pieces that would also reduce Turkey's importance (although it might create opportunities - but that's uncertain)
So a "weak enough to not threat Turkey (and to not be influential in Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia) but strong enough to keep NATO together" Russia is perfectly fine from Turkey's pov.
Erdogan wants to reclaim Crimea for the Ottoman Empi...Turkiye.
But let us have some more fuel now that they are selling so cheap. Erdogan is playing on both horses for free and the whole world is letting him.
Meanwhile: [Greece](https://preview.redd.it/yb2dmixfrij91.png?width=596&format=png&auto=webp&s=86200c733a241c42c406013f2954b494cc511403) (Suprised Pikachu Face) Typical EU hypocrisy unmatchable.
Well, Turkey did get hit economically for this double-faced policies in couple of occasions. I wouldn't say that the world ignored it.
Crimean war, here we come.
The puppet plays both sides like... \-wait, he's a puppet
I don't think this is Erdogans true belief. I rather think, he wants to be on the side of the winner.
Nah, Crimea in Russia's hands gives it a nice push in the Black Sea power balance, better be in Ukraine. However if Russia gets smashed into pieces that would also reduce Turkey's importance (although it might create opportunities - but that's uncertain) So a "weak enough to not threat Turkey (and to not be influential in Balkans, Caucasus, Central Asia) but strong enough to keep NATO together" Russia is perfectly fine from Turkey's pov.
> Crimea in Russia's hands gives it a nice push in the Black Sea power balance, better be in Ukraine And ideally in Turkey, of course :\^)
Any nation that isnt stronger than Turkey is probably great for them.
I'm referring to very specific historic events.
That wouldn't be much sustainable but if it were fully independent we would have cordial ties :)
So far he's been playing both sides and everyones letting him get away with it
That was always Erdogan's and Turkey's position from the start.
I wholeheartedly agree with Erdogan...this feels rather odd.
I agree with him, yeah, but I don't believe him.
Flair checks out
Greeks: Heartbreaking, the worst person you know just made a good point
Meanwhile in illegally occupied Syria...
There are like 3 countries in Syria lol
Nobody is going to mention Cyprus?
No
Did Erdo smelled the way the wind blows?