Russia and Turkey Discuss Energy Pipeline Security Amid Ukraine Tensions

On March 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. According to Jin10, both parties emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the security of energy pipelines between the two nations. The Russian Foreign Ministry's website reported that, against the backdrop of Ukraine's ongoing attempts to disrupt the Blue Stream and TurkStream gas pipeline facilities, Lavrov and Fidan stressed the need to create conditions for the continued operation of Russia-Turkey strategic energy projects. The report also mentioned that the two ministers exchanged views on the situation in Iran. The Russian side advocated for prioritizing non-military political and diplomatic means to quickly ease the crisis triggered by U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran. Russia expressed its willingness to explore ways to facilitate crisis resolution and coordinate efforts with Turkey and other parties to alleviate tensions in the Middle East.