WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States has informally discussed with Turkey the unlikely possibility of it sending its Russian-made S-400 missiles to Ukraine to help fight Russian forces, three sources say. aware of the question.
US officials have made the suggestion over the past month to their Turkish counterparts, but no specific or formal request has been made, the sources told Reuters.
According to these sources, this subject was also briefly raised during the visit of Wendy Sherman, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, to Turkey earlier this month.
The Biden administration has asked its allies using Russian-made equipment, including S-300 and S-400-type missiles, to consider sending them to Ukraine, which is trying to repel the Russian invasion that began last week. February 24.
The idea, which analysts said they were sure would be rejected by Turkey, is part of a wider discussion between US officials and their Turkish counterparts about how the United States and its allies can do more to support Ukraine and how to improve bilateral ties.
The Turkish authorities have made no comment on the American suggestions or proposals relating to this transfer. Ankara’s acquisition of S-400 missiles is a long-standing point of contention between the two NATO allies.
Turkish foreign ministry officials were not immediately available for comment.
Turkish sources and analysts said any such suggestion would be doomed, citing issues ranging from technical obstacles to installing and operating the S-400s in Ukraine, to political concerns such as the return of stick that Ankara would likely face from Moscow.
Washington has repeatedly called on Ankara to get rid of its Russian-made missiles. The United States imposed sanctions on the Turkish defense industry and removed it from its F-35 fighter jet program.
Ankara maintains that it was unable to obtain an air defense system from NATO member states on satisfactory terms.
Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and maintains good relations with these two countries. She said the Russian invasion was unacceptable and expressed support for Ukraine, but also opposed sanctions on Moscow while offering mediation.
(with Phil Stewart and Steve Holland; French version Camille Raynaud)
by Humeyra Pamuk