Ukraine-Turkey Strategic Partnership in Security and Defence

Ukraine and Turkey have forged a strategic relationship in the defence and security spheres, with notable cooperation in the defence industry. Ukraine regards Turkey as a significant contributor to European security and an ally in counterbalancing Russia’s aggression. Kyiv sees Ankara’s role as a potential security guarantor, mediator, and contributor to Ukraine’s peace plan. At the same time, a lack of policy alignment and differences in threat perceptions are also apparent. Turkey’s pursuit of strategic autonomy from the West, focus on regional ownership, and non-involvement of external actors in the Black Sea, as well as its strategic partnership with Russia, are seen by Ukraine as the main obstacles to fully leveraging their strategic ties. The Ukraine-Turkey strategic partnership is poised to be the foundation of a future regional order in the Black Sea, with both nations serving as security outposts for Europe, contingent upon more policy convergence between Turkey and Europe and the re-establishment of their defence and security dialogue.