The escalating situation in Idlib is exposing the limits of Turkish-Russian cooperation in Syria. Having effectively surrendered to its need to maintain good ties with Moscow, Ankara is unable to openly criticize Russia over its participation in military operations by the Syrian regime in Idlib province.

In a state of selective denial, Ankara refuses to see the Russian involvement in these operations and is exhorting Moscow to prevent the regime from launching these attacks.

Following a May 10 meeting with top Turkish generals in Hatay province, near the Syrian border, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar called on Russia to take “effective measures” to prevent regime operations in Idlib. Akar argued that the regime was trying to gain control of territories in the south of Idlib province in violation of agreements reached between Turkey, Russia and Iran under the Astana process.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 13 after the situation in Idlib showed signs of increasing tension, with reports that regime and Russian jets were targeting hospitals and schools and causing mass civilian displacement.