Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov reported that Russia maintains contact with the Turkish side regarding the sale of air defense systems, and they will continue discussions on this topic.
The sensitive issue of sales
Peskov, responding to a question from the France-Presse agency during a daily press conference, emphasized that this topic is highly sensitive. According to information published by Turkish commentator Abdulkadir Selvi in the Hurriyet Daily newspaper, which is close to the Turkish government, the S-400 missile defense system was sold to a third country, namely a 'Gulf country.'
Reasons for Turkey's desire to dispose of the systems
Turkey aims to divest the air defense systems it acquired from Russia in 2017. These acquisitions led to sanctions from the United States Congress. This purchase resulted in Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019, depriving it of already paid-for fighters, as well as the imposition of CAATSA sanctions by the US the following year. Furthermore, the supply of F-110 engines for the Turkish KAAN fighter jet also faces difficulties.
Position and terms of the deal
During the NATO summit in Ankara, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, US President Donald Trump stated that he agreed to suspend these sanctions, but noted that his decision alone is insufficient. Turkey must first get rid of the S-400 systems on its territory, although they were never used for purposes other than testing. Russia's consent is required for such a resale, as Turkey does not possess an re-export license.