The Kremlin confirmed on Friday that Russia is in contact with Turkey over the future of Ankara’s Russian-made S-400 air defense system, following reports that Turkey is preparing to transfer the missiles to a Gulf country in a bid to revive its participation in the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program.
Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the issue as “extremely sensitive” but acknowledged that discussions between the two countries are ongoing.
“I can say one thing here: 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.
Reports Link S-400 Transfer to F-35 Return
The Kremlin’s comments came after Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported that Ankara could announce as early as Friday that it has agreed to transfer its S-400 missile system to an unnamed Gulf country.
According to the report, the move is intended to persuade the United States to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey and clear the way for Ankara’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
The report follows two days of intense debate over Turkey’s defense ties with Washington during the NATO summit in Ankara.
During the summit, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and signaled he was willing to move forward with a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara.
Turkey’s possible return to the fifth-generation fighter program emerged as one of the key issues surrounding the summit, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly reiterated his opposition to any sale of F-35s to Turkey.
Long-Running Dispute
The United States imposed sanctions on fellow NATO member Turkey in 2020 over its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system.
Washington also removed Ankara from the F-35 procurement and manufacturing program, arguing that operating the Russian missile system alongside the advanced U.S. fighter posed security risks.
The reported transfer of the S-400 system would, if confirmed, represent a significant development in efforts to resolve one of the biggest disputes between the NATO allies.
Russia Acknowledges Ongoing Contacts
Asked whether Turkey had sought Russia’s permission for the reported transfer, Peskov declined to comment on the substance of the discussions, saying only that Moscow and Ankara remain in contact on the matter.
His remarks are the first official acknowledgement from the Kremlin following the Turkish media reports and suggest Russia is engaged in discussions over the future of the missile system, although no decision has been publicly confirmed.
Neither Turkey nor the United States has officially commented on the reported transfer or announced any agreement regarding the S-400 system to Reuters.
