Trump Personally Preparing to Warn Erdoğan

The U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien has stated that the United States is ready to impose sanctions against Turkey if it does not withdraw from the Russian S-400 air defense systems. O'Brien made these comments during a live broadcast on CBS.

He added that President Donald Trump himself is preparing to warn Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who will be in Washington on November 13, according to Ermenihaber.am.

“If Turkey does not part with the S-400s, then the issue of sanctions in accordance with the CAATSA law (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) will likely be brought to Congress and approved by a significant majority. At that time, Turkey will feel the consequences of the sanctions. We have openly communicated all of this to President Erdoğan. There is no place in NATO for S-400 systems and other Russian weapons,” O'Brien said.

It is worth noting that Russia and Turkey signed a contract for the sale of S-400 air defense systems back in September 2017. The first batch was delivered in July 2019. Since before and after the signing of the contract, the U.S. has demanded Turkey to abandon the acquisition and use of Russian weapons, a request met with persistent refusal from Turkey. The S-400 issue has been a recurring point of tension in Turkish-American relations.