Turkey is navigating a delicate energy and diplomatic shift, moving to secure new long-term gas supplies from the United States while maintaining its critical energy relationship with Russia. This balancing act follows a direct demand from US President Donald Trump for NATO allies to stop buying Russian oil and gas .
The strategic pivot became clear in late September 2025. During a visit to New York, Turkey's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced two major liquefied natural gas agreements. The first was a 20-year deal with the Swiss-based energy group Mercuria for annual supplies of 4 billion cubic meters of LNG, starting in 2026 . The second was a nine-year agreement with Australia's Woodside Energy for roughly 5.8 billion cubic meters of LNG, sourced primarily from its project in Louisiana, beginning in 2030 . Minister Bayraktar described these deals as milestones for Turkey's energy security and its goal to become a major player in the global LNG trade .
This move toward US energy comes amid strong pressure from Washington. Just days after the deals were signed, President Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House. In that meeting, Trump suggested that the best step Erdogan could take would be to stop buying oil and gas from Russia . Trump has consistently criticized NATO members for their reliance on Russian energy, arguing it weakens the alliance and funds Russia's war effort . For Turkey, the incentives to improve ties with the US are strong. The bilateral relationship has been strained by disputes over defense systems and Syrian policy, and Ankara is eager to see US sanctions lifted and regain access to the F-35 fighter jet program .
Despite the new US deals, Turkey's deep energy links with Russia persist. Data shows Russia supplied 40% of Turkey's natural gas imports in 2023 . In the first half of 2025, Russia's pipeline gas exports to Turkey actually increased by 10% compared to the previous year . Turkey was the third-largest importer of Russian fossil fuels as recently as August 2025, with pipeline gas making up the largest share of those purchases at a value of 1.2 billion euros . This reliance is not limited to gas. Russia is also building Turkey's first nuclear power plant at Akkuyu, a $20 billion project .
Analysts view Turkey's new LNG contracts as a clear step toward diversification, not a sudden break with Moscow. The country currently imports nearly all of its natural gas . Over-dependence on Russia and Iran has long been seen as a strategic risk, leaving Turkey open to price changes and supply cuts . The new agreements with US-linked suppliers are designed to spread that risk. They provide long-term supply security and could help Turkey develop the infrastructure to become a gas hub for Southeastern Europe .
The economic factors are complex. Russian gas, often sold at a discount and delivered by pipeline, has been a cost-effective choice for Turkey . Switching to more LNG, which includes costs for liquefaction and shipping, could be more expensive. To manage this, Turkey has invested in new LNG infrastructure like floating storage units, which will help it handle increased volumes and potentially resell gas to Europe . The country is also developing its own domestic source, the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea, though its full potential is years away .
The method of payment for Russian gas adds another layer of geopolitical nuance. Reports indicate Turkey plans to route its payments for Russian gas through Austria's Raiffeisen Bank. This arrangement would bypass Russia's sanctioned Gazprombank and could channel over 7 billion euros annually to Moscow . This occurs even as the European Union has pledged to end all Russian energy imports by 2027 .
The outcome of Turkey's energy recalibration remains uncertain. The country is pursuing a multi-track strategy: nurturing ties with the US for LNG and nuclear technology , while keeping Russian gas flowing and managing that relationship with care. This approach aims to secure Turkey's energy needs and elevate its role as a key energy corridor. Whether this balancing act can satisfy both Washington and Moscow, while meeting Turkey's own economic demands, will define the country's geopolitical and energy future for years to come.