– It is a very strong result considering that the support has been quite consistent in the previous years, says Paul Levin, head of the Institute for Turkish Studies at Stockholm University.
At the same time, he is not surprised. It is the first measurement made after the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel.
The war in Ukraine
EU agrees: new sanctions against Moscow
Church completely destroyed after drone attack on Gammalsvenskby in Ukraine
– I have previously claimed that there is a risk with how the EU and the US act regarding the Gaza war. That many Muslim countries will turn against Europe and criticize us for what they see as double standards – and that support for Ukraine could decrease.
Sent drones
Turkey was early in supporting Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The country sold drones and other weapons to Ukraine, condemned the Russian actions and has put a stop to the entry of Russian warships into the Black Sea.
At the same time, the country is dependent on Russian natural gas and is trying to stay on good terms with Vladimir Putin.
Can influence Erdogan
The opinion can have political consequences, Paul Levin believes. In the March 2024 local elections, President Erdogan lost many votes to an Islamist party. Probably because many felt he was not tough enough on Israel.
After the election, he responded by imposing harsh trade sanctions on Israel.
– One can imagine that something similar could happen in the Ukraine issue. A race in public opinion will not make it more likely that he will support Ukraine, says Paul Levin.
See in which countries support has, on the contrary, increased in the clip.