He's also providing ferries to Russia to help with Crimea. The ferries they have have been used for military equipment and personnel so much that it's created a crimp in getting tourists and food to the peninsula. (Greece and Italy are also providing ferries.)
Then again, we have some of the first "western" flights to Crimea. As of today, Turkey's flying.
After all the bravado standing up for the Tatars, it's down to this. Even as Tatars are questioned and asked if they are loyal to Russia or if they're going to revert to some misguided loyalty to their majlis, which is how they autonomously self-governed under Ukrainian "rule." After they've been told their language is unwelcomed in the media, esp. on the air (since it's offensive). After they've been fined and their majlis has been fined repeatedly for suggesting more autonomy from Russia. And let's not forget the attempt to send in Tatars with the "right Islam" from elsewhere in Russia to reteach "Russian Islam" to the Tatars. Seriously, you can't make this crap up.
Russia's even floating rumors that Turkey's seriously considering joining the Customs Union and joining the "Russian world."
Erdogan probably sees a certain similarity and common bond there.
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