The issue of Turkey's purchase of Russian "S-400" missile defense systems occasionally resurfaces.
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that it would be very difficult for the country to backtrack on purchasing the system, but expressed hope for resolving the dispute with Washington through dialogue. He noted that Turkey is in talks with Russia for a second shipment of "S-400" systems. In remarks to reporters in Ankara, Hulusi Akar mentioned that it is extremely challenging to revert from the point reached with Russia, urging the United States to move away from a threatening tone, such as imposing sanctions. Akar indicated that Turkey seeks to resolve issues through dialogue, adding that if the American side wishes for a solution, it can be achieved through technical discussions.
Last month, the United States imposed sanctions targeting Turkey's defense industries authority and its president Ismail Demir, along with three other employees, following the purchase of the "S-400" system. Turkey claims that acquiring the Russian air defense system is necessary as it could not procure defense systems from any NATO member state under satisfactory terms, while the United States argues that the "S-400" missiles pose a threat to its F-35 fighters and NATO defense systems.
