U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to reconsider Ankara’s heavy reliance on Russian energy imports, saying it would be “better for Türkiye not to buy oil and gas from Russia.”
According to the Associated Press, President Erdoğan arrived in Washington, D.C. for his first White House visit since 2019. The primary focus of his trip is talks over Türkiye’s bid to rejoin the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program — a deal that stalled after Ankara purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system.
Speaking at the Oval Office before bilateral talks, Trump expressed optimism that both leaders could find common ground.
“They need some things, we need some things, and I think by the end of the day, you’ll know where we stand,” Trump told reporters. He added, “I think President Erdoğan will succeed in acquiring what he wants.”
The U.S. has long voiced concerns that Russian missile systems could compromise the sensitive technology of advanced American jets. Meanwhile, Erdoğan stressed that lifting the ban on F-35 sales remains a key priority for Ankara.
Trump also highlighted Türkiye’s status as one of Russia’s largest energy buyers since Western sanctions took effect, purchasing over $90 billion worth of fossil fuels since early 2023. He suggested that curbing those imports could help pave the way for improved U.S.-Türkiye defense cooperation.
On regional issues, Trump said Erdoğan holds influence with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting that Türkiye could “play a big role” in moving toward a ceasefire.
