urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil during talks in Washington. He linked the request to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine and asked Erdogan to use his influence with Vladimir Putin.
READ MORE:Govt Permits Import of Used Cars with 40% Duty
Erdogan’s visit to the White House marked his first since 2019. Trump said Ankara’s neutral stance could shift if Turkey reduced its energy ties with Russia. He praised Erdogan as respected by both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The meeting also addressed Turkey’s long-standing push to buy US stealth fighter jets. Trump signaled readiness to lift sanctions on Turkey’s defense sector imposed over its purchase of Russian S-400 missiles. He said progress could come “almost immediately” if talks went well.
Trump emphasized Turkey’s interest in acquiring advanced F-35 jets as well as more F-16s. He hinted that decisions on the aircraft could be announced soon. He also expressed personal admiration for Erdogan despite disagreements on Syria, Gaza, and ties with Israel.
READ MORE:Chinese experts linked to Russian drone development
The Trump Erdogan Russian oil talks highlighted both tensions and opportunities in US-Turkey relations. Analysts say the outcome may reshape defense ties, sanctions policy, and Ankara’s role in the Ukraine conflict.