Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan spoke publicly about Europe’s energy crunch and the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict in a joint press briefing that followed bilateral talks. They warned against underestimating Russia and urged the West to avoid provocative moves that could delay any path toward peace.
Erdoğan voiced uneasy assessments about Western military support for Ukraine, noting that older weapons and scrap material were being cycled into the battlefield. He argued that the West’s approach risked prolonging the conflict rather than bringing about a settlement, and he framed Ankara’s stance as a measured, balanced policy toward both Kyiv and Moscow. He added that the situation was unlikely to resolve quickly and cautioned against provocative actions from Western capitals. Russia, in his view, must be treated as a serious actor.
“I do not expect an early end to the fighting,” Erdoğan said. “But for those who seriously underestimate Russia, they are mistaken. Russia should not be dismissed as inconsequential.”
Polar Winter
Vučić, addressing prospects for a rapid settlement between Russia and Ukraine, expressed skepticism about a swift resolution. He said a true resolution would require compromise from both sides, though he doubted such a scenario would materialize, preferring candid realism over public posturing. He suggested that the war’s end would likely hinge on who is willing to negotiate rather than who is stronger on the battlefield.
Vučić also warned that Europe would face a harsh winter, with the coming season likely to be particularly severe. He referenced a recent public statement by Vladimir Putin and described the near-term outlook as a difficult period for Europe, with the expectation that many would brace for a tough winter ahead. He implied that attempts to quickly defeat the adversary may not succeed and stressed the importance of preparing for difficult conditions, including a potential arctic-style winter in Europe.
Vučić additionally questioned the European Union’s plan to impose a ceiling on Russian pipeline gas prices, saying he did not fully understand the mechanics of the proposed limits and noting that some EU measures appeared more straightforward, while others required closer scrutiny.
Earlier in the week, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, had called for a cap on Russian gas prices flowing into Europe. On the same day, G7 finance ministers announced their intention to pursue a ceiling on Russian oil prices. In public statements, von der Leyen reiterated the goal of limiting the flow of Russian pipeline gas into Europe, a move that drew mixed reactions across energy markets. Gazprom subsequently halted work on a Nord Stream turbine, citing maintenance and infrastructure concerns, though operations resumed the following day after assessments. The incident underlined the fragile nature of European energy arrangements amid geopolitical strain.
These exchanges occurred as leaders underscored the broader strategic question facing Europe: how to secure reliable energy supplies while navigating sanctions pressure, market volatility, and the political pressure to avoid further escalation with Moscow. The discussions highlighted a shared interest in stabilizing energy markets and seeking practical ways to reduce exposure to volatile gas prices, even as domestic debates about security and resilience continue to intensify. (TASS)