Trump urges Turkey to stop buying Russian oil as Erdogan chases deal on F-35s
Watch: Trump greets Turkey's Erdogan ahead of meeting
President Donald Trump urged Turkey on Thursday to halt its purchases of Russian oil and gas, calling it the “best thing” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could do as the war in Ukraine continues.
Speaking alongside Erdogan in the Oval Office, Trump said Turkey’s energy trade with Moscow undermines efforts to cut off funding for Russia’s military campaign. “The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia,” Trump told reporters. “If he did that, that would be the best thing.”
While no agreements were announced on U.S. sanctions against Turkey or Ankara’s push to buy advanced F-35 fighter jets, Trump voiced optimism that progress could be made soon. “He needs certain things, and we need certain things,” Trump said. “And we’re going to come to a conclusion. You’ll know by the end of the day.”
Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems. U.S. law currently blocks Ankara from acquiring the jets unless it abandons those systems, and lawmakers have raised further objections over Turkish military actions in Syria and tensions with Greece.
Still, Trump suggested restrictions on both sanctions and arms sales could be eased quickly if talks with Erdogan went well. “If we have a good meeting, almost immediately,” Trump said when asked about lifting sanctions imposed in 2020.
Turkey remains one of Moscow’s largest energy customers, alongside China and India. Earlier this year, Russian gas exports to Europe via Turkey climbed more than 26 percent, according to energy data.
Trump also said he believes Erdogan is respected by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, positioning him as a potential mediator. “He could have a big influence on the war, if he wants to,” Trump said.
The White House meeting was the second encounter between Trump and Erdogan this week, following a brief discussion about Gaza at the UN General Assembly. While Erdogan has publicly accused Israel of committing “genocide,” the two leaders avoided airing their differences on the issue in front of reporters. Israel rejects the accusation.
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