[Russia]: Message for Turkey

[Zak]

Russian Federation
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED​

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Dear President Aysa Aslan,

Following the conclusion of my recent diplomatic talks in Ukraine, I would be honored to host you in Moscow for a meeting to continue and deepen the constructive dialogue between our two nations. Our countries share a complex but vital relationship, shaped by geography, energy, trade, and regional stability. In the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, I believe that direct engagement between our offices is both timely and necessary.

The agenda I propose includes, but is not limited to, bilateral economic projects, regional security architecture in the Black Sea, energy corridor coordination, and broader Eurasian infrastructure initiatives. Your insights and leadership will be invaluable in shaping a shared vision for balanced development and strategic partnership in our region.

Should your schedule permit, I would be pleased to receive you in Moscow at your earliest convenience. My staff stands ready to coordinate all necessary arrangements to ensure your visit is productive and comfortable.

I look forward to your response and the opportunity to welcome you in person.

Kind Regards,
Vladimir Putin
President of Russia
Russian Federation

Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Office of President Putin < Zak > [Sender]: Office of the President, Türkiye < AArslanbaşkanlık@tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential RE: Diplomatic Relations

Your Excellency, I extend my sincere gratitude for your gracious invitation to Moscow and for your commitment to advancing the constructive dialogue between our two nations. Türkiye recognizes the depth and significance of the Turkish-Russian relationship, one shaped by geography, shared interests, and a mutual responsibility toward regional stability. We welcome the positive momentum observed in your recent diplomatic talks with Ukraine. This is a constructive step, and we strongly encourage the continuation of such efforts, particularly in the context of enhancing security, cooperation, and mutual confidence in the Black Sea region. I share your view that now is a critical moment for direct and open engagement. While I would be honored to visit Moscow in person, the timing of your invitation coincides with my recent return from official engagements in Madrid, and unfortunately, this does not allow for immediate travel. However, to ensure that our dialogue continues without delay, I am pleased to propose the dispatch of a high-level Turkish delegation to Moscow. The delegation will be led by Minister Yusuf Koç, who will serve not in his capacity as Minister of the Interior, but as my personal envoy and special representative. Minister Koç carries my full confidence and is empowered to engage in substantive dialogue on the full range of topics outlined in your message, including economic cooperation, energy corridors, regional security, and Eurasian connectivity. I look forward to the outcomes of this important exchange and to a future opportunity to meet in person, at a time suitable for both our offices. With highest regards, Aysa Aslan President of the People's Republic of Türkiye

 

[Zak]

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The early morning air over Moscow was crisp, tinged faintly with the hum of aviation fuel as the sleek government jet bearing the Turkish insignia gently taxied towards the secure diplomatic apron. Snow flurries dusted the tarmac as the convoy of black, armored Aurus Senat sedans idled nearby, engines warm and ready.

Perimeter security had been tightened to its highest level.

Across the outer cordon, officers of the Federal Protective Service (FSO) stood alert in dark tactical overcoats, their expressions impassive behind polarized ballistic goggles. The gleam of their PP-2000 submachine guns and service pistols caught the faint dawn light as they maintained visual sweeps of the zone. K-9 units, their handlers brisk and focused, paced the arrival corridor while electronic jamming vans idled discreetly to prevent remote threats.

In the inner perimeter near the mobile command post, a senior FSO officer murmured into his comms unit.

"All Alpha elements, status green. Turkish delegation on approach. V.I.P. arrival protocol active. Maintain posture. Counter-surveillance sweep complete; no anomalies detected."

A convoy of police escort vehicles from local police units waited just outside the sterile zone, their blue lights silently flashing in standby. Overhead, a police Mi-8 helicopter hovered in a slow, protective orbit.

Inside the terminal’s diplomatic lounge, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, accompanied by aides and senior FSO personnel, prepared for the welcoming ceremony. Security checks had been double-cleared with Turkey’s own close protection detail liaising closely with FSO command to avoid any friction or gaps.

The FSO detail leader gave a curt nod into his mic:

"Visual on aircraft. Proceeding with handover protocol. Standby for motorcade transfer."

The talks were to be completed at the White House with highly advanced talks to be completed. Until then, every movement, every gesture was shielded by the quiet but unyielding presence of the Federal Protective Service.

Jay

 

[Jay]

The aircraft shimmered in the sunlight as the aircraft began its smooth descent toward Moscow International Airport. Inside the cockpit, the two pilots worked through their final approach checklist with the calm precision of experience. "Moscow Tower, Code Three, descending to four thousand. Fully established on the glide," the captain said into his headset, eyes scanning the instruments. A pause. Then the tower responded, “Code Three, winds two-four-zero at seven knots. Cleared to land, runway four-two.”

The aircraft descended steadily, flaps extended, engines humming at a low growl. Below, security vehicles lined the taxiways, and the Russian officials assembled near the VIP terminal. The airport’s western edge was quiet this time of day.

The touchdown was smooth, almost imperceptible. A small puff of smoke rose from the rear wheels as the massive jet kissed the runway and began its deceleration. "Good landing," the co-pilot said as he checked to make sure all the instruments were correct. The captain only nodded, focusing on the taxi instructions coming through the radio. “Code Three, taxi via Delta to VIP Stand One,” came the tower’s voice. The captain repeated the clearance and turned the aircraft off the main runway.

As the plane rolled down the taxiway, lined with Turkish and Russian flags and Russian soldiers, inside the cabin, Minister Koç sat calmly, watching the cityscape of Moscow drift past him in the window. His personal aide leaned in. “Comrade Minister We’re about ten minutes from the stairs.” Yusuf gave a slight nod and reached for his blazer putting it on. “Who will be there on the tarmac?” he asked with a snap as he put on his watch. “Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, Comrade Minister.” His aide said.

Yusuf smoothed the top of his head and stood up as the aircraft finished taxing. Outside, the aircraft came to a gradual halt at the VIP stand. The engines wound down. A mobile staircase was already being positioned at the front left door. As it clicked into place, the cabin door hissed open. A breeze swept in. When Minister Koç stepped into the open doorway.

Yusuf and his GMT security detail walked to the terminal where he saw Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko. "Deputy Prime Minister it is a pleasure." Yusuf said extending his hand.

Zak

 

[Zak]

​

Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko offered a warm, composed smile as he stepped forward, extending his hand with practiced grace. His gaze was steady, respectful, yet inviting, conveying both the weight of the moment and the hope for fruitful dialogue.

“Welcome to our capital, Minister,” he said smoothly, his voice resonating with a tone of genuine cordiality. “It’s a pleasure to host you here today.”

He gently clasped the Turkish Minister’s hand, giving it a firm but courteous shake before turning to lead him along the polished corridor. As they moved, Grigorenko gestured toward the waiting motorcade with a subtle nod.

“Allow me to escort you to the White House. Our discussions today are of great importance, and I believe this will be the beginning of a productive partnership.”

He guided the Minister toward the sleek black vehicle, its doors already opened in anticipation. As they stepped inside, Grigorenko settled into his seat, ready to proceed with the formal talks ahead, confident that this meeting would strengthen the ties between their nations.

As the motorcade smoothly pulled away from the airport, the sleek vehicles glided through the bustling streets of Moscow. The city was alive with energy whilst pedestrians paused briefly to glance at the convoy, curious eyes following the procession of black limousines and security personnel.

Through the tinted windows, Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko kept a steady gaze, his expression calm and contemplative, occasionally exchanging brief, purposeful glances with his aides. The city’s iconic architecture blurred past in a rhythmic cadence — grand Soviet-era buildings, modern glass towers, and the historic spires of the Kremlin looming in the distance.

The motorcade navigated the carefully coordinated route, passing landmarks like Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, as the hum of the engines mingled with the distant sounds of the city’s life. Grigorenko’s mind was focused on the upcoming discussions at the White House, knowing that this visit marked a significant step toward strengthening alliances and fostering cooperation.

The convoy finally approached the gates of the White House, where security was heightened and officials awaited to receive the distinguished guests. With a final, composed nod, Grigorenko prepared to disembark.

The motorcade gradually slowed as it approached the grand entrance of the White House, where guards and officials greeted the convoy with respectful acknowledgment. The doors opened smoothly, and Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko stepped out first, his demeanor poised and authoritative.

He turned to the Turkish Minister with a courteous nod. “Shall we?”

Together, they made their way inside, the polished floors echoing softly beneath their footsteps. The interior was a blend of modern elegance and traditional grandeur, with tall columns, intricate chandeliers, and a subtle hum of activity in the background. As they moved through the spacious hallways, Grigorenko led confidently, his tone measured yet welcoming.

They entered a well-appointed state room, a space designed for diplomacy and discussion. A large table sat at the center, surrounded by chairs, with flags of both nations displayed prominently. Grigorenko gestured toward the seating area.

“Please, make yourself comfortable. Our discussions are about to begin, and I am confident they will pave the way for a fruitful partnership,” he said with a composed smile, settling into his own seat as the moment for formal talks drew near.

Jay

 

[Jay]

Yusuf nodded, following Dmitry out of the vehicle before the two walked into the interior of the Russian White House. Taking his seat across of Dmitry, Yusuf made himself comfortable, leading backward slightly into his chair.

"Thank you Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko, it is a pleasure to be back here in Moscow. I look forward to our discussions." Yusuf said inviting Dmitry to get them started.

Zak

 

[Zak]

"Minister, Firstly, I apologise for this meeting getting off on the wrong start but it is with deep concern that I address the sentencing of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is one of the most prominent political figures in the Republic of Türkiye, to ten months of imprisonment under charges of "inciting religious hatred."

Russia views this decision not as a simple judicial matter, but as a reflection of broader developments within Türkiye that are impossible to ignore. The suppression of religious expression, no matter under what ideological banner it is justified, has rarely contributed to the stability or prosperity of any nation. History teaches us this lesson repeatedly.

Mr. Erdoğan’s recitation of a historic poem, deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual consciousness of the Turkish people, cannot be reasonably construed as a crime worthy of imprisonment. Such actions by the Turkish authorities suggest an unfortunate drift toward political uniformity and ideological intolerance, a path that risks alienating vast segments of the population and undermining Türkiye’s own social cohesion.

Russia has always respected the sovereign choices of nations, including Türkiye’s right to determine its internal political and cultural course. However, when these choices begin to erode fundamental human freedoms, freedom of speech, of conscience, of belief, we are compelled to speak. For these rights are not Western or Eastern; they are universal.

The government in Ankara would be well advised to reconsider the consequences of such repression. Stability cannot be sustained through fear, unity cannot be manufactured by decree. The silencing of political and religious plurality carries consequences far beyond the prison walls, it weakens the very foundations of the state.

Therefore, the Russian Federation calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. We urge the Turkish leadership to reflect deeply on the direction in which their country is heading, whether it serves the people, or merely the preservation of power.

As a great Eurasian nation, Türkiye’s role is too important, its history too rich, and its society too complex to be governed by fear and suppression. Russia stands ready, as always, to support efforts toward dialogue, reconciliation, and genuine national unity but not the fragile calm of enforced silence, but the lasting peace that can only come through mutual respect and the coexistence of difference."

Jay

 

[Jay]

A moment of tense silence. Yusuf Koç sets down his pen, meeting Grigorenko’s gaze firmly, and responding. “Deputy Prime Minister Grigorenko, let me begin by reminding you, and respectfully so, that this meeting was convened at Russia’s invitation. We came to the table in good faith to discuss matters of mutual importance, including bilateral economic initiatives, energy corridor coordination, infrastructure alignment across our shared Eurasian space, and the future security architecture of the Black Sea.

These are serious strategic undertakings that require trust, mutual respect, and discipline, diplomatic discipline. What you’ve just delivered, however eloquent in form, was neither expected nor appropriate.

Now, on the matter you've raised, Türkiye does not require lectures, especially not from foreign officials, about the nature of its domestic legal system or the conduct of its internal political affairs. We are a sovereign republic with deep democratic roots and a proud civilizational legacy. Our judiciary acts independently, and we do not seek Russia’s approval or anyone else’s on how we maintain social order, cohesion, or the rule of law.

You mentioned history. Yes, history does teach us many things. Including, Minister, that there are closets in the Kremlin, filled with events and decisions that Türkiye has diplomatically chosen not to raise today.

As for your moral posturing on freedom and stability, I would advise a more tempered tone when referring to the erosion of freedoms. Ukraine's response to your attempt to strong-arm a concession on Crimea should be a reminder that your regional position has changed significantly. The world may remember Russia as a useful ally when it serves them well, but we have seen how that can move quickly from strategic partner to aggressive rival.

So let’s be clear. You can torpedo this dialogue right now if that is the path you choose. Or” Yusuf leaned in slightly, his voice lower this time. "You can learn to keep your nose out of Türkiye’s internal affairs, and focus instead on what brought us to this table: progress, security, and cooperation.

Türkiye is ready for constructive engagement. But we will not tolerate political ambushes disguised as concern.”

Zak

 

[Zak]

A faint smile touches Grigorenko’s lips as he folds his hands deliberately on the table. His voice is calm, measured, but with an unmistakable steel beneath the surface.

"Minister Koç, I appreciate your candor. Such clarity, though rare in diplomacy, is always refreshing.

Allow me to respond just as plainly.

Yes, this meeting was convened at our invitation, and yes, its purpose is mutual progress: energy corridors, security architecture, economic alignment across Eurasia, matters that we, as neighbors and partners, both have every reason to advance.

But let us not pretend that these interests exist in isolation from political reality. The stability of Türkiye, the confidence of its people, the predictability of its governance, the reputation of its institutions, forms the foundation upon which such grand projects must rest. If cracks appear in that foundation, it is not only Ankara that bears the risk. Instability does not respect borders, Minister. Russia has learned this lesson the hard way. We are too old an empire, too seasoned a state, not to see where certain roads lead.

You speak of sovereignty. Rightly so. Russia recognizes and respects Türkiye’s sovereignty, as we expect ours to be respected. But sovereignty does not render a nation immune from the consequences of its actions in the broader region. When decisions in Ankara ripple outward into the Black Sea basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, they touch us, whether intended or not.

I did not come here to deliver lectures. I came to signal concern, the kind that prudent statesmen do not ignore simply because it is inconvenient. Nor was I under the impression that Türkiye’s proud history, or Russia’s, required excavation today. But since you have opened that door, I will merely caution, ghosts do not only live in the Kremlin’s closets, Minister. History is patient. And memory is rarely one-sided.

Still, I will not allow this exchange to derail the purpose of our talks. Russia remains committed to building stability and prosperity with Türkiye, if Türkiye remains equally committed to ensuring that its internal course does not endanger that shared project.

Let us proceed, then, to the matters of energy, trade, and security. But let there be no misunderstanding between us, friends and partners speak frankly, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

The question is whether Türkiye values partnership enough to hear such truths without offense."

Grigorenko leans back, the faint smile never leaving his face.

"Your move, Minister Koç."

Jay