On January 14, 2020 Ankara University of Social Sciences hosted a conference entitled “Energy Policy of Russia: Turkish Stream and Regional Balances”. The speakers outlined the main goal, which is to involve Russia in Turkish energy projects, including the Istanbul channel. In this regard, the author tried to research possibilities of Russia’s participation in the main Turkish megaproject. For Turkey to attract Russia as a co-investor means to allow the Russian Federation to regulate cargo flows in the Istanbul Canal, which seems completely impossible. In addition, the impossibility of the Russian-Turkish partnership is evidenced by the policy of Turkey itself. Despite financial difficulties, the question of attracting Russian investment has never been raised in Ankara, despite the fact that the Turks are seeking funds for their project everywhere — from Qatar and China to the Benelux countries. One should not forget that starting from 2013, Turkey has consistently put into operation all previously announced projects, and the decision to freeze some of them due to financial difficulties did not affect the Istanbul Canal. The exhaustion of the ideological concept (postponement of its launch until 2025) means that from now on the implementation of the project has moved into a more productive business phase, and the annual construction of canal sections means firm decision to complete the grand plan. At the same time, Russia will not be able to neutralize possible negative consequences by participating in the construction of the canal; it is necessary to look for other ways for cooperation.
ARCTIC ENERGY POLICY AND SECURITY OF THE
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
