What's happened
Turkey has deepened its relations with Russia during the SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. Erdogan has expressed a plan to join the SCO and outlined cooperation on energy, including opening new power plants alongside the Akkuyu facility, while signaling continuity with Western partners.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The narrative frames Turkey’s SCO bid as a strategic diversification, not a pivot away from the West. Erdogan’s comments underscore a dual-track approach: expanding energy ties with Russia while maintaining ties with Western partners.
- The Akkuyu project remains central to energy strategy, with Moscow’s involvement shaping Turkey’s electricity future and regional influence.
- This development could affect Western plans on sanctions coordination and Turkish energy imports, potentially stabilizing energy prices if the Akkuyu output comes online as planned.
- The move may alter Black Sea security dynamics, given Turkey’s control over critical shipping routes and its new role in regional energy corridors.
- Readers should watch how Western allies respond to Turkey’s balancing act, and whether this leads to more synchronized grid interconnections or new tensions in alliance structures.
How we got here
The SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan brings together members including Russia, China, India and Iran. Erdogan has reiterated Turkey's goal to join the SCO and has discussed maritime security in the Black Sea and broader energy cooperation with Russia, including the Akkuyu nuclear plant project. The talks occur amid Turkey's balancing act between Moscow and Kyiv during the Ukraine conflict.
Our analysis
AP News reports that Erdogan described relations as 'at a much more advanced level today' with Russia and that Turkey will 'open some new power plants, along with the opening of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.' Independent corroborates the Akkuyu timeline and Turkish energy imports. Both highlight energy interdependence and strategic positioning within the SCO. Direct quotes from Erdogan and Putin are used to illustrate the tone of the engagements.
Go deeper
- What does Turkey’s SCO bid mean for its Western alliances?
- How might Akkuyu influence Turkey’s energy security if it comes online?
- What are the potential risks for Black Sea shipping amid growing Turkish-Russian cooperation?
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