Türkiye's Role in the Collective West's Hybrid War Against Russia in the Case of Ukraine

Until the 21st century, states mostly used conventional warfare, but this has lost relevance with the rise of hybrid warfare. Initially associated with non-state actors, hybrid methods are now widely used by states. Amid rising tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the term Collective Westreferring to NATO, the EU, and the USgained prominence in Russian discourse. Following Russia's 2022 special military operation, the Collective West intensified hybrid tactics against Russia. Türkiye, though a NATO member, maintained a distinct policy toward Russia, positioning itself independently. This study examines Türkiye's role in the Collective West's hybrid war against Russia in Ukraine between 2016 and 2023. Using qualitative methods and interviews with diplomats and experts, it adopts principles of credibility and objectivity to analyze Türkiye's strategic choices during this period. © 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.