Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation to discuss bilateral cooperation in trade and the economy, as well as certain international issues. Erdogan emphasized the aim to enhance trade transactions between Turkey and Russia, following Turkey’s initial condemnation and subsequent neutrality regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Turkish companies for their dealings with Russian defense firms, highlighting the risks Turkish businesses face amidst the geopolitical tensions.