Russia says S-400 system sale by Turkey requires Moscow’s approval
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russia said on Friday it is in contact with Turkey over reports that Ankara may sell its Russian-made S-400 air defense system to a third country in the Middle East, emphasizing that any such transfer would require Moscow’s approval.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has already held consultations with Turkish officials on the issue and plans to continue discussions.
“This is an extremely sensitive issue. However, we have been in contact with the Turkish side on this matter, and we will continue to maintain contact with them on this issue,” Peskov said.
His comments came after Turkish daily Hurriyet reported that Turkey had sold an S-400 air defense system to an unnamed country in the Middle East.
Ankara has sought to divest itself of the Russian missile defense system, which it purchased in 2017, after the acquisition triggered sanctions from the United States.
The purchase led to Turkey’s removal from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program in 2019. A year later, Washington imposed sanctions on Ankara under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said during the NATO summit in Ankara that he supports lifting those sanctions, although he acknowledged that his approval alone would not be sufficient to reverse the measures.