Turkey steps up Ukraine support as Germany remains distant

Turkey's recent troubles with Europe may overshadow its contributions to defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in January approved the sale of drones to Ukraine and last week clearly stated Turkey’s willingness to "stand by … and help" Ukraine. Erdogan also stressed that "Turkey continues to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea," during a meeting last week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attend a welcoming ceremony at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 3, 2022.  (Reuters) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine Erdogan attend a welcoming ceremony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 3, 2022.  (Reuters) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Turkish President  Recep Tayyip Erdogan review the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Mariyinsky Palace in Kiev, Ukraine, Feb. 3, 2020.  (Reuters)

NATO member states have not deployed any troops to Ukraine, but they have provided assistance in the form of lethal aid, including missiles, drones and munitions. Germany, perhaps the most vital European member of NATO with its largest economy, shocked Kyiv when it provided just 5,000 helmets for Ukrainian troops, falling well short of the 100,000 helmets and protective vests requested.