Media: Türkiye not to abandon cheap Russian oil

Although Türkiye is a NATO member and actively seeks EU membership, neither the USA nor the EU are likely to be able to force it to refuse to purchase cheap Russian oil, Politico reports.

"As a major buyer of Russian energy via the Turkish Stream pipeline, which is directly connected to Moscow's supply system, Türkiye has so far shown no interest in cutting off the source of cheap energy",

Politico reported.

The publication notes that Brussels possesses limited leverage to pressure Türkiye, which remains outside the EU, to stop buying Russian energy. Even recent calls from US leadership for NATO allies to halt Russian oil imports are unlikely to alter the situation.

Türkiye remains one of the largest purchasers of Russian crude and continues to maintain energy ties with Moscow despite current political tensions.