US President Donald Trump's messages regarding the expansion of military cooperation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the possible sale of F-35 fighters to Ankara have become one of the main topics on the international agenda. The observed rapprochement in Washington-Ankara relations is widely discussed in terms of how it will affect the balance of power within NATO, Russia-Turkey relations, and the regional security architecture.
Moscow's attitude towards these processes is also of particular interest. How does the Kremlin assess the new stage in US-Turkey relations? To what extent is Turkey's possible return to the F-35 program a sensitive issue for Russia?
In a statement to Modern.az, Russian political scientist, Deputy Director of the Institute for Political Studies Darya Grevtsova stated that Russia views Donald Trump and Erdoğan's initiatives positively:
“We see a warming in relations between the US and Turkey, and mutual understanding between the leaders. It is also observed that both leaders generally have sympathy for each other. Trump and Erdoğan are seen as leaders who are spiritually close to Putin, fighting against the neoliberal model and the globalist elites who are currently claimed to want to take control not only of Europe but the entire world. Trump, Erdoğan, and Putin are listed among the leaders who oppose them. Therefore, the existence of mutual understanding and contacts between these leaders, and the possibility of conducting negotiations, even if relations are not at a friendly level, is positively received by Russia.”
D. Grevtsova noted that Russia has no serious objections regarding the F-35 fighters:
“As we know, Turkey had previously planned to buy F-35s, but at that time the US refused due to the conflict. Erdoğan also did not agree to this, because it was claimed that the coup attempt against him was prepared by the US, and in those circumstances, the use of these systems was not considered appropriate. That is why the decision was made to purchase S-400 air defense systems from Russia. Currently, no one intends to return the S-400 systems. At the same time, the purchase of additional F-35 fighters to strengthen defense capabilities is also considered possible. Russia understands this, and Ankara can take steps it deems in its own interests. The main point is that Putin has good relations with Erdoğan and business contacts with Trump. Therefore, when these leaders communicate, negotiate, and reach an understanding on issues they could not agree on before, Moscow welcomes it.”
