In brief
During a meeting at the White House, President Trump urged Turkey's leader Erdogan to cease oil imports from Russia, emphasizing it as a critical step in addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite talks regarding Turkey's long-desired acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, no resolutions were reached on US sanctions or the sale of military equipment. Trump's hopeful comments signal a desire for improved cooperation between the two nations.
US President Donald Trump has urged Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia, part of a wider drive to cut off Moscow's energy funding as the war in Ukraine rages on.
Speaking alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, Trump said halting those imports would be the best thing his Turkish counterpart could do.
The Oval Office meeting ended without any firm commitments to lift US sanctions on Turkey or to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets, though Trump expressed optimism on both issues.
Turkey has for years been prevented from buying US F-35s. In 2019, it was expelled from a programme where it produced parts for the warplane after it acquired air defence systems from Russia.
During a brief question-and-answer session, Trump stated he would like Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia, especially while Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine. The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia, he emphasized.
According to data, Turkey has become a primary customer for Russian oil and gas, with Russian gas transiting through Turkey to Europe increasing by over 26% this year.
The US president's remarks come as he has indicated potential for tougher sanctions against Russia if NATO countries comply with conditions that involve halting Russian energy imports.
Earlier in the week, Trump reiterated that NATO allies are inadvertently funding the war through their purchases of energy from Russia.
During Trump's first term, Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme followed by sanctions against it due to the S-400 deal with Russia. Some members of Congress have raised concerns over Turkey's military involvements and its purchase from Russia, advising caution against allowing Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets.
Yet, in the Oval Office, Trump assured Erdogan that they would eventually reach a favorable conclusion regarding Turkey's military needs, while expressing a belief that the sanctions could be lifted soon if talks progress positively.
The Trump-Erdogan meeting marked the second interaction between the two leaders within a week, following a discussion about Gaza at the UN General Assembly with other global leaders.
