Washington is using the prospect of Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet production program to persuade Ankara to abandon Russian S-400 defense missiles, according to statements made today, Tuesday, by US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland. , quoted Turkish television Kathimerini.

As CNN Turk reports, Victoria Nuland said that if Ankara changes direction and abandons Russian anti-aircraft systems, the way will be opened to receive aircraft of the same type that Greece will receive.

“If we solve the S-400 problem, we will be happy to return Turkey to the F-35 program,” the American diplomat told Turkish television. “Once we solve this problem,” she added, referring to the abandonment of Russian air defense systems, “we will have to make sure that Turkey has a strong air defense system.”

“We were in the process of negotiating the sale of the Patriot, and while those negotiations were going on, Turkey went in a different direction,” Nuland said, referring to Ankara’s purchase of Russian S-400 systems. “That’s why we had some talks today,” stressed Nuland, who met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Sunday.

“We have demonstrated readiness to talk about strengthening air defense for many years, both before and after the acquisition of the S-400 system. As you understand, this is a difficult question. Today, everyone needs air defense. We see it all over the world. But if we can still overcome this problem, the issue of CAATSA sanctions will disappear and we can return to discussions about the F-35,” the official said. 2 in the State Department.

In the same interview, Victoria Nuland confirmed that the US does not plan to withdraw from Syria, and emphasized that the absolute priority in Gaza is the release of the Israeli hostages. (Rador Radio Romania)