US President Donald Trump has made a major bet on Turkey. He has hinted that Turkey may be re-included in the F-35 fighter jet program. However, he has clearly stated that Turkey must help end the war in Ukraine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently visited the White House. This was his first visit to the US since 2019. During the conversation, Trump stated that if the talks are successful, sanctions imposed on Turkey related to the S-400 could be lifted. Turkey will have to stop purchasing oil and gas from Russia. President Donald Trump has explicitly urged Erdogan to use his influence to pressure Vladimir Putin and stop the Ukraine war.

S-400 and F-35 controversy

In 2019, the US excluded Turkey from the F-35 program because it had purchased the S-400 air defense system from Russia. American experts say that if the S-400 and F-35 were to operate together, their technology could leak to Russia. Nevertheless, Erdoğan has made it clear that he wants both the F-35 jets and the S-400 system.

Turkey and Russia's growing closeness

When NATO countries imposed sanctions on Russia after the Ukrainian war began, Turkey did not take any action. It continues to purchase crude oil and gas from Russia. According to the Bruegel Institute in Europe, Turkey-Russia trade is expected to reach $52 billion in 2023. This is why the US wants Turkey to distance itself from Russia.

A new turn in relationships?

US Ambassador Tom Barrack has indicated that the S-400 sanctions on Turkey could be lifted by the end of the year. Trump and Erdogan have also instructed their officials to find a solution. If Turkey accepts Trump's conditions, it could regain F-35 jets and retain the S-400 system.

Israel's displeasure

Israel is also a key player in this entire development. It has long pressured the US not to supply Turkey with F-35 jets, but this time, Trump may be in a mood to surprise Israel as well.