Turkey’s ghost trade with Russia

Turkey’s exports of “high priority” items to Russia have soared since Moscow invaded Ukraine – including war-linked items that test ties between Ankara and NATO allies 


“High-priority” goods: Dual-use items and including integrated circuits and communications equipment used in Russian weapons systems

Turkey’s exports of dual-use items to Russia* ($ millions) 2019-2021: Exports of high priority items average $230 million/year

Jul 2019: Russia begins delivery of advanced S-400 Triumf air-defence system to Turkey.

Ankara’s $2.5 billion deal with Moscow provokes anger within NATO

Feb 24, 2022: Russia invades Ukraine 
2022: High-priority exports surge to more than $460 million


11.7 24.3 18.3 26.9 30.6 33.1 82.6 72.1 43.7

Feb 2022-Aug 2023: High- priority exports exceed $850m since invasion of Ukraine

2019: $194.6m  $213.5m  $282.9m  $461.5m $416.4m 2023

2019 2020 2021 2022

*Includes exports via Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan


Sources: Bruegel, International Institute for Strategic Studies Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS