Energy Min-No Joining Of Energy Sanctions Against Russia

Wires carrying comments from Turkish Ministry of Energy stating that Turkey will not join in with the western energy sanctions against Russia.

• Says that Ankara has 'a valid contract' with Moscow.
• "Agreement in principle on the purchase of Russian gas by Turkey in rubles has been reached, the situation with the schedule and prices will soon become clear."
• The apparent agreement on ruble payments comes a week after a meeting in Sochi, Russia between Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin. No full details of what was talked about published, but a joint statement discussed increasing trade and energy links as well as deepened cooperation on finance, industry, and construction.
• Ankara continues to tread a fine line between Russia and the West, risking a NATO backlash should it be seen to be getting too close to Putin. However, siding closely with the West could see Russia pull much-needed investment from Turkey amidst an economic crisis and less than a year out from the next presidential election in June 2023.