Turkey has appealed to the United States to exclude it from the sanctions list targeting Gazprombank. According to Hürriyet, the issue was raised during negotiations between Turkish officials and a US delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ankara.
Turkey has officially submitted an application to lift the sanctions. The US side confirmed that it has received the application and is currently reviewing the matter.
Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources previously stated that sanctions against Gazprombank significantly impact the country, as Turkey continues to purchase natural gas from Russia.
Turkey and Gazprombank: The Economic Context
Turkey remains one of the countries heavily reliant on Russian gas supplies. While Ankara has repeatedly expressed its intention to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, the economic realities compel it to maintain collaboration with Russian energy entities.
The sanctions against Gazprombank complicate financial transactions related to gas imports for Turkey. This could adversely affect the Turkish economy, which is already under pressure due to global inflation and volatility in energy markets.
Political Balancing Between Turkey and the US
Turkey’s request to the US to lift sanctions is also part of a broader geopolitical maneuver. Ankara is trying to balance its commitments to Western allies, such as NATO, with its economic ties to Russia.
On the one hand, Turkey condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine and supplies Ukraine with Bayraktar drones, which have become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. On the other hand, it seeks to maintain economic relations with Russia, which are crucial for its energy security.
Impact on Regional Politics
The sanctions against Gazprombank are part of international pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. However, Turkey’s stance on the matter might signal growing divisions within the international coalition supporting sanctions.
Ankara is leveraging its role as a mediator in global negotiations to secure economic advantages for itself. However, this approach may draw criticism from Western allies who are calling for tighter sanctions on Moscow.