In a notable diplomatic exchange at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump directly urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop importing oil from Russia. Trump emphasized that such a decision by Turkey would be a significant step in countering Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine.
The meeting between the two leaders concluded without concrete agreements on lifting U.S. sanctions against Turkey or approving the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets. However, President Trump expressed optimism regarding potential progress on both fronts.
Turkey has faced restrictions on acquiring the F-35 aircraft, stemming from its 2019 decision to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems. This acquisition led to Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program, where it had also been a key manufacturer of aircraft components.
President Trump’s public statement highlighted the importance of Turkey reducing its energy imports from Russia, which, alongside nations like India and China, remains a significant customer for Russian oil and gas. This appeal follows previous remarks by Trump suggesting increased sanctions on Russia if NATO allies committed to stopping Russian oil imports.
During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump had previously criticized NATO members for what he termed “funding the war against themselves” through their energy transactions with Moscow.
The F-35 program has been a point of contention, with some U.S. lawmakers voicing concerns due to Turkey’s military actions in Syria and airspace violations concerning Greece. The bipartisan Hellenic Caucus in the U.S. Congress specifically warned against the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, citing its continued military cooperation with Russia and a perceived disregard for international norms.
Despite these concerns, President Trump conveyed a positive outlook to President Erdogan, suggesting that Turkey’s desires regarding F-35 acquisition could be met. He indicated that a resolution was possible, stating, “You’ll know by the end of the day.” President Erdogan, in a recent interview, described the F-35 ban as not being in line with a strategic partnership.
Regarding the sanctions imposed on Turkey following the S-400 purchase, Trump indicated they could be lifted “very soon,” contingent on the success of their discussions.
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