Retired Vice Admiral Cihat Yaycı made important statements regarding Russia's potential reaction if Turkey were to leave NATO. He noted that some individuals believe Russia would welcome Turkey with open arms, but he emphasized the uncertainty of the nature of this welcome.
The editorial office reports that Yaycı recalled Russia's treatment of Georgia and Ukraine, questioning the possibility of a similar scenario against Turkey. He stated that, contrary to some opinions, Turkey was not invited to NATO; rather, it applied twice during the İnönü and Menderes eras but was rejected on both occasions.
The Vice Admiral noted that Turkey was admitted to NATO only after paying a blood price alongside Greece in the Korean War. He also added that Joseph Stalin's letter to Turkey during that period resembled the ultimatum Putin gave to Ukraine today.