Trump Urges Turkey to Halt Russian Oil Imports Amid F-35 Negotiations with Erdogan

Tue Oct 14 2025 12:20:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump urged Turkey to stop purchasing oil from Russia, emphasizing the need to cut off Moscow's energy resources related to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting also included discussions about the stalled negotiations around the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

During a White House meeting, President Trump asked Turkey to halt its oil imports from Russia, highlighting the need for stronger sanctions against Russia amidst its invasion of Ukraine. This request is part of broader negotiations that also involve Turkey's long-standing interest in acquiring US F-35 fighter jets, a deal which remains uncertain due to Turkey's prior purchase of Russian defense systems. The discussion reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics involving NATO allies and Russia.

US President Donald Trump has urged Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia, part of a wider drive to cut off Moscow's energy funding as the war in Ukraine rages on.

Speaking alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, Trump said halting those imports would be the best thing his Turkish counterpart could do.

The Oval Office meeting ended without any firm commitments to lift US sanctions on Turkey or sell advanced F-35 fighter jets, although Trump expressed optimism about both issues.

Turkey has for years been prevented from buying US F-35s, having been expelled from a program where it produced parts for the warplane after it acquired air defense systems from Russia.

During a brief question-and-answer session alongside Erdogan in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump reiterated his desire for Turkey to cease any purchases of oil from Russia while the conflict continues.

He stated, The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia. If he did that, that would be the best thing. Trump noted that he believes Erdogan is respected by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, implying Erdogan could wield significant influence over the conflict.

Turkey, alongside India and China, remains one of Russia’s largest customers for oil and gas. Trump’s remarks come on the heels of his declarations of potentially imposing tougher sanctions on Russia if NATO countries adhere to guidelines that include ceasing oil imports.

Earlier this week at the UN General Assembly, Trump accused NATO allies of funding the war against themselves due to their energy purchases from Russia.

During Trump’s first term, the US removed Turkey from the F-35 program when it acquired Russian missile systems. A 2020 US defense bill stipulated that Turkey could not acquire F-35s unless it ceased its dealings with Russia.

In discussions with Erdogan, Trump expressed hopes for a breakthrough regarding the F-35 acquisition, stating, He needs certain things, and we need certain things, and we’re going to come to a conclusion. You’ll know by the end of the day. He also indicated sanctions on Turkey might be lifted if positive dialogues continue, affirming that if the meetings go well, it could happen almost immediately.