NO. 66
WASHINGTON, DC — There have been widespread reports that Turkey has ordered additional Russian S-400 missile defense systems. Both Russian officials and media outlets have confirmed the sale, while Turkish defense sources have denied the purchase. The American Hellenic Institute is deeply concerned about Turkey's continued duplicity and its actions that continue to demonstrate it is an unfaithful pseudo-ally of the United States.
Erdogan’s Turkey is a purveyor of Russian influence. Turkey’s maintenance of Russian S-400 missile systems threatens NATO cohesion and interoperability. The acquisition of additional Russian S-400 missile defense systems would further endanger NATO assets. Furthermore, Turkey is undermining Europe by promoting its dependence on Russian energy through its Turkstream pipeline. In fact, Turkey recently announced that it would increase the supply of Russian gas to Hungary via Turkstream. Moreover, Turkey delayed the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO to gain unrelated concessions, imperiling the Alliance during Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Lastly, Turkey’s Erdogan recently met with the leaders of both Russia and Iran in Tehran, a troubling demonstration of a growing malign axis between Russia, Iran, and Turkey, all of which are rogue nations.
The American Hellenic Institute has long argued that Turkey’s challenges to Greek sovereignty and continued occupation of Cyprus are not simply a matter of a “Greco-Turkish” dispute, but are emblematic of Turkey’s unreliability and unsuitability as an ally to the United States and the Western Alliance. Turkey’s dalliance with Russia proves this point.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) issued a strong press release, stating, “I am deeply concerned about reports that Turkey is considering further purchases of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a delivery that would be another clear violation of U.S. sanctions mandated by the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions law. As Russia continues its brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has a responsibility and an opportunity to unequivocally demonstrate its commitment to NATO and to regional peace and security by fully rejecting any military cooperation with a war criminal like Vladimir Putin." Furthermore, a senior U.S. Treasury official has issued a warning to Turkey for abetting Russia in its efforts to evade sanctions.
In addition, U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) led a bipartisan letter signed by 19 lawmakers expressing concerns about the reports of Turkey’s additional orders of Russian S-400 systems, and reiterated opposition to the sale of F-16’s to Turkey.
“Turkey has been acting as a “trojan horse” of Russia, undermining NATO from within,” AHI President Nick Larigakis sad. “The latest reports of Turkey’s possible order of additional Russian S-400 missile defense systems is emblematic of Turkey’s systemic actions weakening NATO. Under these circumstances, it would be completely unconscionable to even consider the sale of F-16’s jets to Turkey.”
"AHI also appreciates the comments by Senator Menendez and U.S. Treasury officials, expressing concern about Turkey's malign relationship with Russia. Furthermore, AHI applauds Rep. Pappas’ continued support for his latest letter to Secretary Blinken, and his overall stalwart efforts to restrict the sale of F-16’s to Turkey."