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Amaryllis

(10,111 posts)
Thu Mar 13, 2025, 10:32 AM Thursday

Canada & Turkey Join Forces with EU for Ukraine: They Just Shut Down Russia's Biggest Hopes



Ukraine’s Path to the EU: Canada & Turkey Join Europe’s Defense Coalition

Key Covered Topics

EU’s Accelerated Plan for Ukraine
Summit outcomes: Single Market access, fast-track integration into EU’s energy and defense sectors
Financial and logistical backbone from partners beyond the EU
Canada’s Indispensable Role
Bridge between Europe and North America amid U.S. aid uncertainty
Deepening rivalry with Russia in the Arctic; impetus to help secure Ukraine’s victory
Credibility and resources via NATO membership, training programs, and funding
Turkey’s Strategic Influence
A pivotal actor in the Black Sea basin; Montreux Convention and drone technology
Diplomatic ties with Russia, but also strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity
Potential synergy with EU’s Re-Arm Europe plan through defense-industry collaboration
UK-Led “Coalition of the Willing”
~20 countries expressing interest in a volunteer coalition for Ukraine’s security
Not all will send troops, but many can provide financial, logistical, or specialist support
Ties in with EU’s pursuit of a peacekeeping or monitoring mission
Norway’s Additional Commitments
Expanding the Nansen Support Program
Motivated by Arctic security concerns and alignment with NATO partners
Integration vs. Membership
EU’s readiness to bend certain Single Market rules in Ukraine’s favor, short of full accession
Gradual opening of Ukraine’s energy, services, and technology markets to the EU
The balancing act of strict enlargement criteria vs. the urgency of security needs
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Canada & Turkey Join Forces with EU for Ukraine: They Just Shut Down Russia's Biggest Hopes (Original Post) Amaryllis Thursday OP
Whatever you think of Turkey's current leadership, some attention should be paid to the history of Russian-Turkish wars. eppur_se_muova Thursday #1
Tsf and his Russian boss are in the FO of FAFO! PortTack Thursday #2
Yeah. Not surprised at Canada, but a little bit by Turkey (yeah, they are NATO, but...) hlthe2b Thursday #3
Putin's sphincter muscle just tightened up a notch. republianmushroom Thursday #4

eppur_se_muova

(38,554 posts)
1. Whatever you think of Turkey's current leadership, some attention should be paid to the history of Russian-Turkish wars.
Thu Mar 13, 2025, 11:09 AM
Thursday

The two fought about a dozen wars over three centuries, with Russian armies taking territory from the Turks almost every time. The Turkish leadership is well aware of Russia's unflagging desire to extend its borders at Turkey's expense, and would not likely miss a chance to hamstring Putin's current plans.

Turkey's losses to Russian forces including the disastrous Battle of Sarikamish in 1914-5. While Turkey's modern citizens may have no desire to see a restoration of the Ottoman Empire*, their treatment by Russia has no doubt left a legacy of resentment, at the very least. I doubt the Turk in the street will object very much if his leaders side against Russia (again).






*OTOH -- consider "pan-Turkism".

hlthe2b

(108,471 posts)
3. Yeah. Not surprised at Canada, but a little bit by Turkey (yeah, they are NATO, but...)
Thu Mar 13, 2025, 11:47 AM
Thursday

That must piss off Trump--almost as much as Putin.

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