Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Turkey will continue purchasing natural gas from Russia, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for NATO members to halt Russian energy imports. Trump urged NATO states to stop buying Russian oil and gas in exchange for new sanctions on Moscow, arguing that this would accelerate the Ukraine peace process.
Bayraktar stressed that steady supplies are essential for Turkey’s energy security and that the country cannot afford to disrupt its gas imports. Turkey consumes a large amount of natural gas, and a diversification strategy is necessary to ensure an uninterrupted supply. He said existing agreements guarantee continued Russian gas deliveries, while Turkey will also keep diversifying its suppliers and expanding domestic production. This stance rejects U.S. demands to abandon Russian gas, prioritizing energy security over geopolitical pressure.
The European Union has sharply reduced its Russian energy imports since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022 and plans to eliminate Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Nevertheless, some EU members, such as Hungary and Slovakia, remain heavily dependent on Russian energy and oppose the phase‑out. Turkey, a key NATO partner, has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia and has maintained close diplomatic ties with Moscow.
The Kremlin responded to Trump’s calls by labeling restrictions on Russian energy as illegal and self‑defeating. Russian officials argue that such measures would force the EU to turn to costlier alternatives or indirect imports, ultimately benefiting U.S. economic interests. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Trump’s push to steer NATO members away from Russian supplies is likely aimed at boosting U.S. exports, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas.
As the situation unfolds, Turkey’s decision may affect the broader geopolitical landscape. Its commitment to energy security and refusal to comply with U.S. demands could have significant implications for the Ukraine peace process and the global energy market. With winter approaching, Turkey’s need for a stable gas supply will intensify, making its choice to continue purchasing from Russia a pragmatic response to uncertain energy markets.
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