Expert in Turkic studies Andranik Ispiryan believes that Russian air strikes in Syria have caused tension in Russian-Turkish relations, but Turkey well not move toward confrontation.
Rather, it will rely on the United States and NATO.
“Arrival of Russian troops and active air strikes foiled all of Turkey’s plans and the work it has carried out for years, particularly the strengthening of the extremist groups it formed and built up in Syria,” Mr Ispiryan said.
Although tension initially reached the highest pointed in Turkey, with even the Turkish ambassador to Russia recalled, Turkish authorities were able to “keep cool.”
“They have come to realize that a confrontation with Russia will not produce any good results. Now they are trying to retain cooperation, including energy cooperation, but domestic tension continues in both the states,” the expert said.
He also recalled a telephone talk between the US and Turkish presidents, when Barack Obama expressed US support to Turkey.
“They openly spoke of steps against Russian presence. Domestic tension will continue as Russia will go on expanding its influence in Syria,” Mr Ispirayn said.