Turkey’s “Peace Spring” operation in Syria and Putin’s plans about Turkey

Turkey has eventually entered Syrian territory as Erdogan repeatedly promised and started the “Peace Spring” operation. It is stated by Turkish authorities that the predetermined targets are being hit successfully and the operation is on the right track.

The aim of this operation as declared by Turkey is the prevention of terror corridor the YPH wishes to establish next to the southern border of Turkey and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity for placement of millions of Syrian refugees hosted in Turkey for a long while (at a cost of US$ 40 billion).

Officials of many countries have made statements criticizing and even blaming Turkey and extending full support to YPG (pro-Kurdish formation) in the terror corridor as referred by Turkey. Everybody is talking and saying something.

In the meantime however, we think that an important issue is escaping our attention: Russia, or rather Putin is ever so silent. We have not heard much from Russian front (and Putin especially) about Turkey’s operation except for a few notes maybe – and indeed through his spokesmen.

At this point, one cannot stop thinking: “Russia is a very strong actor in Syria. Is there a strategy behind Putin’s silence? As we all know, Putin has proved he is a highly experienced and intelligent statesman, politician on many occasions so far. So could he probably have the following strategy, in regards.

“As Turkey’s operation progresses, there could be some negative developments against this country in the coming days? For example, it is very likely Trump could alter his approach to the issue again stipulating new conditions etc. confronting and putting this country in a difficult situation.”

If Turkey were in need of a much stronger support against all the political and economic (hopefully not military) pressure to come from US and EU and many others, who would it have to turn to? Russia and Putin, maybe …? In such a case what would Putin demand from Turkey to extend his desperately needed support?

That’s the question worth thinking about. The reason is Putin has been watching the developments quietly.