Trump says Erdoğan could be influential in ending Putin's war if he wants
President says Turkey could influence Moscow by halting oil purchases; talks include F-16s and other defense cooperation
President Donald Trump on Thursday said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could prove influential in ending Russia's war in Ukraine 'if he wants to.' Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office with Erdoğan at his side, Trump said Erdoğan is currently 'neutral' but could have a big influence if he chose to act, including by stopping oil and gas purchases from Russia.
Trump identified the two main issues to discuss with Erdoğan as war and trade, and said he would like Erdoğan to stop buying oil from Russia as Moscow continues its assault on Ukraine, calling the situation 'Disgraceful' and adding that 'Putin ought to stop.'
Erdoğan said he plans to discuss the sale of U.S. F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, a deal long sought by Ankara after it purchased a Russian air defense system that blocked the transfer of some U.S. technology. Trump did not say whether he would lift the ban or use a potential deal to pressure Ankara to reduce Russian oil imports.
Turkey is Russia's third-largest importer of oil, behind India and China. While New Delhi has faced secondary tariffs and negotiations with Beijing remain ongoing, Turkey has so far escaped those measures, though Trump said tariffs would be on the day’s agenda.
On the defense side, Trump said the United States and Turkey are 'in great shape' on a possible deal to supply F-16s, though he left open the question of F-35s. 'We're talking about that very seriously,' Trump said. 'He needs certain things, and we need certain things, and we're going to come to a conclusion by the end of the day.'
Context: The remarks reflect a broader push from Trump on NATO allies to cut Russian energy purchases to deny Moscow revenue for its war in Ukraine, even as Turkey seeks to balance security and defense cooperation with the United States.