Balancing Act: Can Turkey Do Without Russian Energy?
October 4, 2025 - ISTANBUL, TURKEY - As the world grapples with the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a pressing question has emerged: can Turkey afford to abandon its reliance on Russian energy?
The answer lies in the complex web of international relations and economic dependencies that have developed over the years. In September, US President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington, where he urged Turkey to stop buying oil and gas from Russia. The demand was echoed by the Group of Seven (G7) nations, which have vowed to increase pressure on Russia by targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
According to a statement released after their meeting, Trump praised Erdogan as "a highly respected man" who is doing an "amazing job." However, he also emphasized the need for Turkey to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on Russia. "We've been friends for a long time," Trump said, "but we must work together to ensure that our economies are not held hostage by one country's aggressive actions."
The pressure on Turkey is multifaceted. The G7 nations have warned that countries continuing to purchase Russian energy will face economic consequences, including sanctions and trade restrictions. Meanwhile, the European Union has imposed its own set of sanctions on Russia, which could further exacerbate Turkey's energy woes.
So, what are the implications for Turkey? According to experts, abandoning Russian energy would require a significant investment in alternative sources, such as solar or wind power. "Turkey has made some progress in recent years," said Dr. Ayşe Kaya, an energy expert at Istanbul University. "However, it still relies heavily on imported fuels, which makes it vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions."
The background to this story is complex and multifaceted. Turkey's energy landscape has been shaped by its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East. The country has long relied on imports to meet its energy needs, with Russia being a major supplier. However, in recent years, Turkey has sought to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on imported fuels.
The current status is one of uncertainty. While Turkey has announced plans to increase its use of renewable energy, the pace of progress is slow. The country's energy mix remains dominated by coal, oil, and gas, with Russia remaining a major supplier.
As the world watches Turkey's next move, one thing is clear: the stakes are high. Will Turkey be able to navigate this delicate balancing act and reduce its reliance on Russian energy? Only time will tell.
Additional Perspectives
"Turkey's decision to abandon Russian energy would have significant implications for the global economy," said Dr. Kaya. "It would require a major investment in alternative sources, which could take years to implement."
"The pressure from the G7 nations is not just about energy," added Dr. Kaya. "It's also about geopolitics and the need to isolate Russia economically."
Next Developments
The Turkish government has announced plans to increase its use of renewable energy by 2025.
The European Union has pledged to support Turkey in its efforts to diversify its energy sources.
The G7 nations have vowed to continue increasing pressure on Russia through economic sanctions and trade restrictions.
*Reporting by Dw.*
