Abstract
<jats:p>In 1919–1920, the Russian Civil War and the Turkish National Struggleunfolded as interconnected historical processes. During this period, relations between SovietRussia and the Ankara Government were shaped by shared geopolitical interests. In the context ofconfrontation with the Western powers, the issue of military and financial assistance gainedparticular significance. However, the scale and importance of this aid have been interpreteddifferently in historiography. Therefore, analyzing the actual nature of Soviet assistance on thebasis of documentary and industrial data constitutes a relevant scholarly task. Goals and objectives.The goal and objectives of the study are to reassess the actual volume and historical significance ofthe military and financial assistance provided by Soviet Russia to Turkey in 1919–1920, based onhistoriographical interpretations and an analysis of primary sources. In addition, the study is aimedat the systematic examination of archival documents, as well as a comprehensive analysis ofstatistical indicators of arms production. Results. The findings demonstrate that Soviet assistance toTurkey in 1919–1920 was significantly more limited than commonly asserted in historiography.Statistical data on arms production reveal a substantial decline in Soviet military-industrial capacitydue to war-related disruptions. Archival evidence indicates that military aid was irregular, delayed,and modest in scale. Nevertheless, Soviet support played an important political and diplomatic rolefor the Ankara Government. It contributed to strengthening its international legitimacy andexpanding its diplomatic flexibility. Therefore, Soviet assistance should not be considered a decisivemilitary factor but rather a strategic and political instrument within the broader context of Sovietforeign policy and anti-imperialist alignment. Conclusion. This study reassesses Soviet Russia’s aidpolicy toward Turkey in 1919–1920 through archival evidence and analysis of military-industrial capacity. The findings demonstrate a sharp decline in arms production due to the Civil War, laborshortages, and economic crisis. Consequently, military assistance to Turkey was limited in scale andirregular in delivery. Claims in Russian historiography regarding the decisive role of Soviet aid appearsignificantly overstated. Nevertheless, this assistance carried substantial political and diplomaticimportance. It strengthened the international standing of the Ankara Government and contributed tothe development of Soviet–Turkish cooperation within the broader geopolitical context of resistanceto the Allied Powers.</jats:p>