Ukraine-Turkey energy axis yet to take off
The signing of the Turkish Stream pipeline deal in 2014. Russo-Turkish relations have since soured. (Gazprom)
Although analysts remain sceptical that Ukraine and Turkey can upgrade their ties to a full strategic partnership as planned, increased cooperation in the energy and trade sectors could bear dividends for Kiev.
General Ukrainian exports to Central Asia and the Caucasus dropped by 49% in Q1 2016 as a result of Russian restrictions, Ukraine claimed in a complaint to the World Trade Organization. The issue is the latest in a series of disputes between Moscow and Kiev. It runs parallel to a multi-billion dollar case being heard at the Stockholm arbitration court between Russia’s state-owned Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz Ukrainy over their 2009 gas supply contract.