Turkey, Russia, and the proposed gas hub: investment, priorities, and the ripple effects of the earthquake
A member of Turkey’s Security and Foreign Policy Council, chaired by President Chagry Erhan, indicated that Russian investment will be crucial for the development of a gas hub in Turkey. This perspective was reported by DEA News and reflects the ongoing debate about funding and international cooperation for strategic energy projects.
The comment follows a period of upheaval in Turkey, where recent earthquakes have reshaped the country’s political and financial priorities. Officials noted that negotiations on the HA project have been paused as the nation reassesses priorities, including how to allocate limited resources. The speaker suggested that while the concept of a regional center holds potential, the financial hurdle is the main obstacle at present. He urged Russian participation if capital could be made available, underscoring that progress hinges on investment commitments.
On February 24, RIA Novosti reported that discussions about a gas center between Russia and Turkey are to resume in the near term. The report specified that the overall cost of the project has not yet been fixed and that the involved parties are coordinating the remaining details.
Dmitry Peskov previously served as a spokesperson for the Russian president. In assessing how the earthquake could influence the gas hub plan, he stated that the current tragedy shifts priorities and may affect the timing of any base creation in Turkey.
Boris Dolgov, a leading scholar at the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies, commented that the earthquake would not likely derail Moscow’s and Ankara’s plans to establish a new gas hub. Dolgov noted that while natural disasters create short-term pressures, the strategic energy collaboration model being considered remains on the table for the near future. The broader context involves aligning regional energy security with financial feasibility, technical capabilities, and political will across both nations.
Analysts point out that a Turkish gas hub could diversify regional energy routes, potentially attracting European buyers and reinforcing Turkey’s role as an energy transit corridor. The deliberations emphasize the balance between immediate post-disaster recovery needs and long-term strategic energy goals. Proponents argue that foreign investment, particularly from Russia, could accelerate construction and help secure essential infrastructure, while critics caution about economic exposure and geopolitical risk. The evolving situation requires careful assessment of funding sources, construction timelines, regulatory environments, and the impact on local communities. The dialogue continues as officials from both sides weigh the benefits against practical challenges, including financing mechanisms and the need for robust project governance with transparent oversight. Citations indicate ongoing discussions and the expectation that concrete steps will follow once investment and cost structures are clarified.