S-400 systems. FILE IMAGE: Alexey Malgavko / Sputnik
The United States asked Turkey to hand over its Russian-made S-400 long-range air defense system to Ukraine and Ankara refused, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with Habertürk that was published on May 7.
“There were several proposals from the U.S. for the S-400. We were told: give us control, give it to another place. We can’t accept it. This is a proposal affecting our independence,” the minister said. “We were even offered to send them to Ukraine, and we said it was impossible, we bought it for ourselves.”
Turkish and Russian officials signed a $2.5 billion agreement for delivery of several S-400 batteries and dozens of long-range anti-aircraft missiles in late 2017.
The U.S. Secretary of State raised concerns over the deal, which were rebuffed by President Erdogan and other Turkish officials, citing Washington’s refusal to sell upgraded MIM-104 Patriot air defense systems to Turkey.
The Turkish military received its first installment of the Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2019. Soon after, Turkey was suspended from the F-35 stealth fighter jet program, with the U.S. stating “F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities.” Later in 2020, the U.S. escalated further by imposing sanctions on Turkey.
As of 2023, the U.S. has not refunded the $1.4 billion payment made by Turkey for purchasing F-35 fighter jets, or lifted sanctions imposed in response to the S-400 deal.
Turkey, a NATO member since 1952, supplied weapons to Kiev forces, including combat drones, armored vehicles and precision-guided missiles, after the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. However, it refused to break special relations with Russia, or impose sanctions on the country.
Cavusoglu’s interview reveals how the U.S. has been pressuring its allies to secure more air defense systems for Ukraine, as the country’s stockpiles of Soviet-era systems are reportedly about to be depleted.
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Even with it’s flaws Türkiye I think, is defending it’s rights as a sovereign nation. Türkiye may well know how the west, NATO, can turn on it’s own “membership.”
The US tried a coup attempt against Erdo back in around 2016, Putin alerted him to it so he does owe Russia BIG TIME. Erdo NEEDS the S400 to protect themselves from the US, Israel. and terrorists like the Kurds.
true. Like USA, with help from Norway and UK, blowing up the gas energy supply to Germany and its surrounding countries. Shocking stab in the back from USA, Norway ans UK of its NATO allies.
The “US” will be, from this point on, be known as “The Divided States of Clown World.”
The incontinent clown in Washington really did a marvellous job in pushing Murica over the cliffl
How do you know he in incontinent? Your hands are everywhere………………………..LOL.
USHEGEMON!
Really?
Do tell – please elucidate some more.
We’re in raptures over your knowledgeable contributions – like Michael Jackson, we just can’t get enough.
BTW, have you got any good bagel recipes? Just asking for an overweight friend.
Even a troll on a pay-per-post gig must have SOME use, right?
Who in their right frame of mind would buy Patriot MIC junk when you are offered S400 instead.
Indeed, “junk” being the operative word, with “overpriced” being automatic.
… and as for this –
“F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities.”
… perhaps they should just be honest and admit that the S400 would find out what an absolute piece of flying junk shit the F-35 really is.
We already know here in Australia – we buy LOTS of American junk shit here, that’s what all the bribes are for.
If not Turkey, than India would be willing to do something similar….
For Erdogan those S-400 are the main guarantee in the protection of his life. In case of new CIA attempt of military coup, against him.
While India….They already gave free access to some Americans on their Russian origin leased nuke sub…They like to do those kind of favors, that cost them nothing…
Hopefully the price goes up for them on their next deal with Russia
How did the atta-chicken cross the road?
#LikeASnakeWithoutKnowledge
^without Noor, yani byatch, yani, yani.
US refused to pay $10 billion to greedy Turkey for it sending the S-400 into Ukraine as part of its membership of Nato.
Turkey is still waiting as middleman for the right price for peace and fee dom.
Ukraine is not a member of NATO… So, why would NATO, as an EXCLUSIVELY defensive organization, send weapons to Ukraine and what grounds does the US have to punish NATO members who do not want to violate the NATO statute!? The problem in Ukraine is exclusively the problem of Ukraine and Russia and NO ONE else!
Good to see Turkey continue to resist pressure from the U.S. It would set back Turkey’s strong relations with Russia, hurt their national interests.
Well Putin should hope Erdogan does not lose the next election cause the us will go all in supporting the opposition alliance. And if they win they will open the bosporus for nato ships and hand everything over to ukraine they need while blocking russian transfer of supplys and make them open to attacks in syria.
If that happens, it would be a violation of the Montreal Agreement, if I’m not mistaken, and an act of open hostility. Even Russia, which has access to the Black Sea, has no right to keep military vessels in that sea whose home port is outside the Black Sea. Open hostility leads to armed conflict, in which case US ships would be like clay pigeons…
Worse. Turkey opposition will bring NATO’s biggest army into direct war with Russia, and thats a fact.
Why would Turkey do anything for the Yanks? They are on their way out while Russia’s star is rising fast
They need to get out of nato and join the brics
US cannot stand that Turkey not only has a powerful Russian built system outside of US military control. but Turkey VERY directly and publicly gave the middle finger to US in acquiring it. Turkey needs to be vigilant though, as their NATO ‘ally’ US uses a lot of very dirty tricks when they don’t get what they want. Things like, a targeted county’s ambassador, in a third party country, coming under attack or assassination attempt, this is the next level of how US-CIA communicates its anger at another state for standing up for itself. These things are not random.
Erdogan would have to have lost his mind if he even considered doing so .
Has anyone been keeping score on the actual number of fatalities after the HAARP inspired earthquake in Turkey since February?…
Yeah… I’m certain Turkey will be handing over those Russian SAs to the United $tates “soon”…