Türkiye seeks 'creative' solution to issue of Russian S-400 systems — Fidan

Türkiye is working to find ways to resolve with the United States the issue of the S-400 systems purchased from Russia and to lift the CAATSA sanctions imposed by the United States on the Turkish defense sector.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said this in an interview with NTV, according to Ukrinform, citing Defense Türk.

"As you know, CAATSA sanctions are a stumbling block for us, especially for our Defense Industry Presidency. We are working to lift them. There are also some creative ideas on the path to resolving this S-400 issue that caused it to start," Fidan said.

According to him, Ankara is seeking to implement possible solutions to the issue on the basis of mutual goodwill with the United States.

"I hope we will take positive steps on that matter," the Turkish foreign minister added.

The United States imposed CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye's Presidency of Defense Industries in December 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 systems. Türkiye was also removed from the U.S. F-35 fighter jet program.

As Ukrinform reported, according to media reports, Türkiye may transfer or sell its Russian S-400 air-defense missile systems to a third country. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been mentioned among the potential buyers. There has been no official confirmation of this information so far.