Turkey confirms purchase of Russian S-400 missile despite US pressu...

Turkey is poised for potential sanctions from the US over its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, its defense minister has said, amid reports Washington has given a June deadline for Ankara to drop the deal. Speaking to media late on Tuesday, Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said there had been an improvement in negotiations with Washington over Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 and US F-35 fighter jets.

“In our talks with the US, we see a general easing and rapprochement on issues including the east of the Euphrates, F-35s and Patriots,” Akar said. He added that Ankara would continue the discussions “earnestly” as part of efforts to come to a compromise. However, Turkey was also “making preparations” for US penalties via the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Turkey confirms purchase of Russian S-400 missile despite US pressure