“In the context of Russian aggression and repeated violations of international law it cannot be business as usual with Russia and this is not the time to increase cooperation with Russia,” the bloc’s foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano told Europa Press.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed an agreement with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for Russian gas to reach Turkish territory on European soil, on the shores of the Black Sea, and to take advantage of the Turkstream infrastructure, which according to Putin is currently the most reliable gas pipeline for exports.
Precisely this Wednesday the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, travels to Ankara for a mission lasting several days during which he will be able to discuss these issues with the Turkish authorities. EU sources insist that sanctions against Russia and alignment with EU policy are “cornerstones” of the relationship with partner countries, more so in the case of Turkey which has not adhered to EU restrictions.
h/t tdtwedt