US sanctions Turkey for buying Russian S-400 missile defence system
- Move sets the stage for further confrontation between the two Nato allies as US President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office
- The US had previously kicked Turkey out of its F-35 stealth fighter development and training programme over the purchase
The Trump administration on Monday imposed sanctions on its Nato ally Turkey over its purchase of a Russian air defence system, setting the stage for further confrontation between the two nations as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office.
Turkey condemned the US action as a “grave mistake” and threatened to retaliate.
The US move comes at a delicate time in relations between Washington and Ankara, which have been at odds for more than a year over Turkey’s acquisition from Russia of the S-400 missile defence system, along with Turkish actions in Syria, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in the eastern Mediterranean.
The US had previously kicked Turkey out of its F-35 stealth fighter development and training programme over the purchase, but had taken no further steps despite persistent warnings from American officials who have long complained about the purchase of the S-400, which they say is incompatible with Nato equipment and a potential threat to allied security.
“The United States made clear to Turkey at the highest levels and on numerous occasions that its purchase of the S-400 system would endanger the security of US military technology and personnel and provide substantial funds to Russia’s defence sector, as well as Russian access to the Turkish armed forces and defence industry,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
