Erdoğan Warns of NATO-Russia Conflict and Criticizes Israel’s Regional Actions
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep concerns on Thursday about the escalating risk of direct conflict between NATO and Russia, as well as the potential for broader regional conflict fueled by Israeli actions. Speaking to Newsweek from a NATO summit in the U.S., Erdoğan warned that increased NATO support for Ukraine could lead to dangerous confrontations.
“The prospect of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia is undoubtedly concerning,” Erdoğan said. “Any steps that could lead to this outcome must be deliberately avoided.” He emphasized that Türkiye, under his leadership, seeks to maintain a balanced policy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, engaging with both sides while NATO continues to support Ukraine with arms and other assistance.
On the issue of Israel, Erdoğan warned that “Israel’s threats against the countries of the region, particularly Lebanon, and its attempts to spread the conflict across the region must stop.” He cautioned that such actions “face a greater risk of deeper conflicts and even war,” criticizing what he described as “the brutal murder of innocent people by Israel” in various locations, including hospitals and marketplaces.
Erdoğan also addressed Türkiye’s evolving diplomatic posture amid criticisms from some international observers. He stressed that Türkiye’s engagement with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is not intended as an alternative to NATO but as a means to prevent a larger global conflict. “No explanation is needed as to the ultimate destination of a world in which all nations are confined to their own borders, where sharp poles are established,” Erdoğan said. He added, “We are in a unique position. We preserve and strengthen our position as a reliable partner in all structures in which we are involved.”
Regarding Türkiye’s efforts to normalize relations with Syria, Erdoğan stated, “We are striving for a climate of peace in Syria” and highlighted the need for Syria to be “a prosperous state completely free of terrorism and ruled by Syrians.” He emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to resolving issues related to Syrian refugees and counterterrorism, asserting, “When the day comes, our Syrian guests will voluntarily return to their countries, having left the war behind.”
Erdoğan also criticized the U.S. and some allies for supporting groups that Türkiye considers terrorist organizations, such as the PKK/YPG and FETÖ. He asserted, “Accepting heads of terrorist groups threatening Türkiye’s national security as legitimate actors contradicts the spirit of the alliance,” and called for a unified stance against terrorism from Türkiye’s allies.
Erdoğan’s statements reflect Türkiye’s complex position in global geopolitics, balancing its NATO membership with expanding ties to other international organizations and addressing regional conflicts with a focus on diplomacy and counterterrorism.
