US State Department says not aware of new Russia-Turkey S-400 deal
The US State Department is not aware of any new developments for Russia to sell S-400 air defense systems to Turkey, spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday.
“We’re not aware of any new developments on this matter. Our position on Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 is well known, and we’d refer you to the Turkish Government to speak to their defense procurement plans,” Price told journalist at a press briefing, adding: “But the point we have consistently made across the board is that Russia’s brutal and unjustified war against Ukraine makes it vital, now more than ever in some ways, that all countries avoid transactions with Russia’s defense sector. It puts them at risk of sanctions.”
When asked if any new S-400 deal will change the calculus on the F-16 sale, Price said: “Well, of course, we’ll have to wait and see what happens, but we are not aware of any new developments on this matter and so would refer you to Turkish authorities for the time being to speak to their plans.” (ILKHA)