They did worse...$20B exchange down the drain and the noose is tightening...
LOL , here let me copy and paste a simplified version regarding Turkish and Russian trade for your tiny little brain to comprehend
the thing people don't seem to understand is , just because Russia is one of the biggest partners doesn't really mean anything.
The actual meaning behind trade stands at export to import ratio , the trade volume between Turkey and Russia stood at $35 bil, with export to import ratio heavily benefiting the Russian side.
Russia has lost its market in the West due to sanctions and now is facing a recession , how wise do you think it is for a country in recession to put up sanctions against one of their biggest trade partners.
What Turkey exports to Russia has many alternative markets , from Central Asia to Europe
What Turkey imports from Russia also has alternative markets , but it will take time.
Turkey also has major deals with Russia such as Nuclear Plants worth $20 bil. , now another country will benefit.
even if let's say Turkey never manages to find an alternative market , the exports to Russia make up 0.4% of the GDP.
not to mention have you ever heard of a country in recession imposing sanctions against another country?
from economic stand point even an 8 year old would understand it hurts you more than others.