Turkey Seeks Dialogue with the US Without Abandoning S-400

Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has stated that it would be "very problematic" for Ankara to back away from the purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense systems, expressing hope that the dispute with the United States on this issue can be resolved through dialogue, as reported by Al Arabiya.

Akar reiterated that discussions are ongoing between Turkey and Russia regarding the procurement of a second batch of defense systems.

Washington has imposed sanctions on its NATO ally Turkey due to the purchase of the Russian S-400 systems.

“It is a very problematic situation to back down from what has been acquired. We suggest to (the US) to refrain from the threat of sanctions,” Akar emphasized.