ArmInfo.The "largest gas hub" in Turkey, which was supposed to become the "new energy center of Eurasia", was put on hold before its launch following a comprehensive risk assessment by Russia. Vahe Davtyan, Doctor of Political Sciences and Professor, wrote on his Facebook page.
According to the expert, the primary reason for this decision is Ankara's desire to maintain exclusive control over the project. "While Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were personally interested in implementing the project, interstate relations go beyond mere "political chemistry," Davtyan explained.
Referring to specific examples, he noted that Turkey aimed to become a transit axis without making any compromises, while Russia acted as a supplier with the right of supervision. According to the expert, this situation led to both sides finding themselves in a dead lock.
"Russia hoped to reenter the European market with the help of a hub bypassing Ukraine. However, sanctions, European sanctions and time constrains changed the rules of the game. Russian gas still flows to Turkey as it did before, but it is no longer a strategic trump card," the expert emphasized. According to Davtyan, Russia, has made a more rational decision compared to previous years. Additionally, Turkey, which has been positioning himself as an "energy crossroads," has had to confront reality, with Erdogan's aspirations remaining mostly symbolic.
