Aleksandr Dugin, a figure close to Putin, speaks out: 'There is significant opposition to Erdoğan'

Russian political scientist Aleksandr Dugin, known to be an influential figure in the circle of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, made statements on many issues, including Turkey-Russia relations, US policies in the Middle East, and the Syrian issue.

Speaking to Polemik Medya Chairman of the Board Hakan Kılıç, Dugin pointed to the Ukrainian front regarding Russia's withdrawal from Syria.

Dugin said, "Their goal was to inflict a defeat on Russia. However, because he is fully focused on the situation in Ukraine, Putin decided that he could not handle a struggle on a second front. If Putin had not left Syria, a new front would have opened in Syria with the full-scale participation of Russian troops."

"THE TIMING OF ERDOĞAN'S SYRIA MOVE WAS WRONG"

Speaking about the timing of President Erdoğan's Syria policy, Dugin said, "Turkey will have very serious problems in Syria. America and the West will support the Kurds. I think it was a strategic mistake for Erdoğan to support Al-Shara. Timing was very important." He also made statements regarding the meetings held in Istanbul concerning the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations.

"THERE IS SIGNIFICANT OPPOSITION TO ERDOĞAN"

Responding to a question about Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, Victory Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ, and other arrests, Dugin said, "Maybe I am wrong. I think there are two elements in these protests in Turkey. There is significant opposition to Erdoğan. He has taken such strange steps that there is a real reaction against his rule. His authority and the respect for him have weakened. The Turkish people are a great people. It is not enough to tell people, 'I am establishing order, do this.'

You must explain the reason. What is on the horizon, what are the perspectives for the future? I think the public no longer sees a future with Erdoğan. The public is saying, 'Enough is enough with Erdoğan.' This is a natural result. If you do not show respect to your people, your people will stop showing respect to you..." he stated.