Greek and Turkish tensions could spell doom for NATO

Tensions between Greece and Turkey have been escalating for years. Both countries are NATO members. "If a war breaks out between alliance members, it will be their collapse," said Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak in an interview.

Relations between Turkey and Greece have been complicated for years. A very serious dispute concerns the borders of both countries. Turkey, unlike Greece, did not sign the United Nations Convention in 1982. As a result, Turkey claims rights to most of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Another problem is the unresolved issue of Cyprus.

Both countries joined NATO in 1952. Despite membership in the North Atlantic Treaty, mutual relations are far from ideal. Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak discusses the potential consequences of a conflict between the two allies.

NATO cannot participate in a conflict between its members. It should strive to ensure that all disputes are resolved diplomatically, not militarily. If a war breaks out between members, NATO might as well pack up. It will be the end of NATO. There will be those in the alliance who support Turkey and those who support Greece - said Gen. Skrzypczak in an interview.

Recently, the relationship between Turkey and Greece has improved—all thanks to the help offered by the Greeks after the earthquake that hit Turkey in 2023.

Humanitarian aid from Athens reached those most in need in Turkey. Relations between the two countries improved so much that on September 20, 2023, during a session of the UN General Assembly, leaders met directly. Turkish President Recep Erdoğan spoke with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The entire North Atlantic Treaty is watching with interest the improvement of relations between Greece and Turkey. If an open conflict were to break out between these countries, it would be a black scenario for the entire NATO.

That would be the end of NATO. That's what Putin is waiting for - believes Gen. Skrzypczak.