It's Awkward for Trump - Erdogan Tries to Return S-400 Missile Systems to Putin

It's Awkward for Trump - Erdogan Tries to Return S-400 Missile Systems to Putin 0

Turkey is trying to mend relations with the U.S. and is attempting to return the previously supplied S-400 missile systems to Russia, as well as get back the money spent, writes Bloomberg - over 2 billion dollars.

The Russian-made S-400 air defense system, which has long been a source of friction between Turkey and the United States, has once again come to the forefront during the recent meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

According to Bloomberg, Erdogan asked Putin to take back the missile systems supplied to Ankara in 2019.

The agency reported that the Turkish president made this request to his Russian counterpart in order to restore relations with the United States, and that this issue was discussed during the meeting of the two leaders in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on December 12.

The article claims that Erdogan is seeking to normalize relations with Washington by returning the S-400s, as well as re-including Turkey in the F-35 fighter jet program.

Ankara is reportedly also looking to get back the money it paid to Russia for the systems. It is rumored that the refund could be facilitated through various compensatory mechanisms in the energy sector. The cost of the S-400 systems for Turkey is said to exceed 2 billion dollars.

On the other hand, sources in the Ministry of Defense told Türkiye Today before the meeting between Erdogan and Putin that there had been no such negotiations. Bloomberg's assertion was also denied in statements from Russia.

U.S. and NATO Pressure Continues

The United States has been putting strong pressure on Ankara since Turkey decided to purchase the S-400 in 2017.

Both Washington and NATO oppose the acquisition and active use of the S-400 systems. These systems are incompatible with NATO's defense and radar infrastructure.

For this reason, on July 17, 2019, the U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, of which it was a partner.

Washington also imposed sanctions on Turkey under the U.S. law "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act" (CAATSA).

Sanctions against high-ranking officials, including Ismail Demir, who was then the head of the defense industry, have been in effect since April 2021.