According to Russian Defense Ministry data for May 2008, Turkey was among the 5 countries extending military aid to Georgia, according to the leading expert of political research institute Vladimir Ivanov.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, the data available proves military aid to Georgia exceeded USD 55 million.

At the same time, he noted, “the main goal of Turkey’s assistance is strengthening of military union with Georgia and Azerbaijan as well as multidirectional Turkification of Georgia. By organizing training for Georgian officers, Ankara is attempting to form pro-Turkish officer staff in the country.”