Faced With Russia, EU's Defence Must Include Turkey

'It is inconceivable to establish European security without Turkey,' Erdogan said after Sunday's London summit (Credit: AFP)

Turkey, with NATO's second-largest army and a Black Sea coastline, is looking to play a key role in Europe's security after Washington's pivot away from the region.

After two rounds of crisis talks on Ukraine and security following Washington's change of policy, Ankara has been quick to warn that European defences cannot be ensured without its involvement.