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Russia confirms talks with Turkey on S-400 sale to third country
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

Russia confirms talks with Turkey on S-400 sale to third country

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Russia has confirmed contacts with Turkey regarding the potential sale of S-400 missile systems to a third country.
  • The discussions aim to help Turkey circumvent U.S. sanctions imposed after its 2019 purchase of the Russian-made systems.
  • The potential sale has drawn attention, with the U.S. considering selling F-35 jets to Turkey, a move Israel opposes due to regional military balance concerns.

The Kremlin has acknowledged ongoing discussions with Turkey concerning the potential sale of Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to a third country. Presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described the matter as "extremely sensitive" and confirmed that contacts with the Turkish side would continue.

This is an extremely sensitive issue. We have already had contacts with the Turkish side on this matter and contacts in this regard will continue.

— Dmitri PeskovKremlin spokesperson commenting on the potential sale of S-400 systems.

Reports in the Turkish press suggest that Ankara has already finalized a sale to a Persian Gulf nation, with some outlets identifying the United Arab Emirates. However, neither Russian nor Turkish authorities have officially confirmed these reports.

Russia sold four S-400 systems to Turkey in 2019 for $2.5 billion. This transaction led the United States to exclude Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet program the following year. Amidst these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that he was considering selling F-35 jets to Turkey, citing their "very good relationship" and Turkey's perceived loyalty. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed optimism about this possibility, stating that Turkey had received a commitment from Trump.

We have a very good relationship. Why wouldn't we do that? We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been, in many respects, much more loyal than other countries we expected loyalty from. So it is something we are certainly considering. It's a great airplane; it's the best, currently the best airplane by far. And certainly, it is something we will reconsider.

— Donald TrumpU.S. President on considering the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey.

Israel has voiced strong opposition to any potential F-35 sale to Turkey, warning that it would disrupt the military balance in the Middle East and jeopardize its air superiority.

During our conversations in this summit, we will positively evaluate the commitment we have received from him regarding the F-35s for the future. Mr. Trump has always kept his word on this matter. I believe a favorable decision will also be made on the issue of the F-35s.

— Recep Tayyip ErdoganTurkish President expressing optimism about receiving F-35 jets from the U.S.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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