Turkish leader reveals US eased sanctions in response to Russia’s S-400 deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has claimed that the administration of US President Donald Trump eased sanctions imposed on Türkiye over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.

President Erdogan said he discussed the matter directly with Trump and newly appointed US ambassador to Türkiye Thomas J. Barrack, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

According to the Turkish president, the conversations centered on the sanctions introduced under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) following Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian air defense system. Erdogan reiterated that as NATO allies, Türkiye and the US should not face restrictions in the field of defense cooperation. He emphasised Ankara’s desire to eliminate all barriers that undermine the strategic partnership with Washington.

"With my friend Trump coming to power, we reached a more open, constructive, and sincere level of dialogue," Erdogan said, highlighting the improved tone in bilateral relations during Trump’s tenure. He added that Ankara and Washington share common ground on critical issues, including security, economic collaboration, and global challenges, stressing that their partnership is vital for ensuring stability both in the region and beyond. 

Türkiye’s 2017 deal with Moscow to purchase the S-400 missile defense system triggered sharp criticism from the US and NATO allies, who warned the system was incompatible with NATO defense infrastructure and posed risks to allied technologies. In response, Washington removed Türkiye from the F-35 fighter jet development programme in March 2020. 

By Naila Huseynova