Despite the fact that peace negotiations have not yet yielded any concrete results, Turkey has strengthened its shares in the international arena in a short time.

Ankara has invested heavily in launching itself as the only country that has the ability to negotiate with both Russia and Ukraine.

The close ties with Russia have paradoxically pushed Erdogan into the arms of the West. 

Erdogan praised

Nothing illustrates Turkey's latest PR successes better than the Bayraktar drone, which gained fame with a music video in which Ukrainian soldiers praise Erdogan for videos from when the drones pulverized Russian tanks. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hardly been spoiled by praise from the West in recent years.

He is often criticized for being a power figure compared to Putin.

In addition, NATO has been seriously troubled by Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.  

But the West's objections to Erdogan have been clear since the war in Ukraine.

It is clear that many in Washington and European capitals appreciate Turkey's efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Despite the fact that Turkey has at present only been able to show that it has brought the parties to the negotiating table.

Russian oligarchs are welcomed to Turkey

But it is still not completely uncomplicated.

At the same time, Turkey is being criticized for its flatness against Russian war abuses.

Ankara condemns war crimes in Butja, Irpin and Kramatorsk, but does not point to Russia as responsible.  

In addition, it is obvious that Russian oligarchs can conveniently call at their luxury yachts in Turkish ports.

Turkey has not imposed any sanctions on Russia.  

But the sharp reactions from the West shine with their absence.

It seems that Turkey has been given "carte blanche" to continue its balancing act in order not to repel Russia.

At least temporarily. 

In a meeting with a Turkish government official, I was told that Ankara was not met by any reprimands from the West. 

Frosty relationships have thawed

The United States has also signaled that it may be possible to allow Turkey to buy the f-16 fighter jet, which was previously unthinkable due to Turkey's arms purchases from Russia.  

President Erdogan has a long history of sharp turns in foreign policy.

The latest turn is an approach to the west.  

The war in Ukraine has toppled the playing field.

Frosty relations with Greece, France and Israel have thawed.

In addition, Turkey is approaching Western Allied countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

But you have to remember that it can quickly change again.

There is also no doubt that Turkey absolutely does not want to close the door to Russia. 

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be turned on to play video

Read more about browser support

The browser is not supported

SVT does not support playback in your browser.

We therefore recommend that you switch to a different browser.

Read more about browser support

Since Erdogan came to power, there has been a real storm around the president - see a summary in the clip.

Photo: Lefteris Pitarakis / EPA / TT