Reuters has reported that Turkey is significantly reducing its oil imports from Russia as a result of escalating Western sanctions. This decision marks a notable shift in Turkey’s energy procurement strategy, moving away from its previous role as one of Russia’s primary oil buyers, which was also held by India and China.
The move comes amid heightened international pressure on Russia following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Turkey has traditionally maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, recent actions suggest a growing alignment with Western economic measures against Russia. The reduction in oil imports is expected to impact both the Turkish and Russian economies, potentially affecting energy markets and trade relations.