Former Head of Turkish Military Intelligence Service, Ismail Hakki Pekin, and the Former Chief of Intelligence of the Turkish Navy, Soner Polat, shared outstanding views about the ongoing Turkish military operation in Syria and reviewed Russian Turkish relations on that matter.
How will the Turkish Euphrates Shield military operation in Syria affect Turkish Russian relations; and what does it mean for Russia in term of its position in Syria?
Retired Lieutenant General Ismail Hakki Pekin:
Turkey's Euphrates Shield military operation of Turkey protects both the unity of Syria and Turkey's border. As has been stressed by the Turkish side, Turkey - just like the Syrian regime and Russia - supports a united Syria. Thus Turkey has a parallel policy in Syria to Russia's.
If we consider the fact that the operation (NB: Euphrates Shield) aims to thwart PKK/PYD (ie. Kurdish) aims to create an autonomous area for itself, we can state that the Turkish military operation is consistent with the policies of Russia.
The recent operation of Turkey will develop closer relations between Russia and Turkey. This operation is also strengthening the hand of Russia in Syria.
Comment: Putin has a very fine needle to thread in the Syrian conflict. All sides will have to give a little to reach a solution satisfactory to the Kurds, Turkey, and the Syrian government. Let's hope they listen to Russia's counsel.