EU pushes Turkey to Putin’s arms | Atilla Yesilada video commentary

In this video, economist Atilla Yeşilada argues that recent European Union policy shifts are dangerously distancing Turkey from the West, inadvertently pushing it toward Russia. He contends that Turkey and the EU are “Siamese twins” economically and culturally, yet both sides are failing to foster a productive partnership.

Yeşilada highlights the “realpolitik” necessity of Turkey for European defense and supply chain nearshoring, suggesting an updated Customs Union—rather than full membership—as a viable path forward.

However, he notes that disputes over human rights, the Cyprus conflict, and recent EU defense exclusions remain significant barriers to this critical integration.