Cavusoglu said in an interview with Habertürk that the United States offered Ankara to send its Russian-made S-400 air defense systems to Ukraine, but Turkey refused, Defence Blog reported.
“They made proposals that directly concern our sovereignty, such as give us control of this, give it to another place. Where is our independence and sovereignty?” the minister said.
Last year, Turkish President Recep Erdogan also said that claims that Ankara could supply Ukraine with its S-400 missile systems in exchange for sanctions on it being lifted are a ploy targeted against Ankara and aimed at stirring up problems for the country.
Local media reported that Pentagon had long talks with Ankara on sending S-400 to Kyiv in exchange for Turkey’s joining the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet program and the sanctions on it being lifted.
Turkey initially purchased the S-400 in 2017, plunging its relationship with the US into crisis. As a result of the deal, the Trump administration expelled Turkey from the F-35 program and later sanctioned the country’s defense industry organization and its leaders.
The United States said the Russian-made air defense system threatened its F-35 fighter jet program. US officials claimed a powerful S-400 radar system would allow Russia to spy on the advanced F-35 fighter jet.
SKH/PR
Turkey rejects S-400 deliveries to Ukraine
Related Posts
Israeli cabinet approves prisoner exchange deal with Hamas
TEHRAN, Jan. 17 (DID) – The Israeli Security and Political Cabinet on Friday approved a prisoner exchange agreement and a cease-fire in Gaza, despite reports that three ministers opposed it.
Iran, Russia ink landmark strategic partnership deal
TEHRAN, Jan. 17 (DID) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his Russian counterpart have signed a long-term partnership deal known as the “Comprehensive Strategic Agreement” to strengthen the relations between the two nations.