Kremlin confirms talks with Ankara on transferring the S-400 systems to a third country

The Kremlin confirmed on Wednesday that Russia and Turkey are discussing the possible transfer of the Russian S-400 air defense systems owned by Ankara to a third country. Moscow says the operation could take place only if the recipient state is “responsible,” friendly toward Russia, and provides guarantees that it will not re-export the systems.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the issue is on the agenda of the talks and that official contacts are taking place between the two countries. The statement confirms information previously conveyed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said on Saturday that Moscow could approve the transfer under certain conditions.

Turkey bought the S-400 systems from Russia in 2017, amid tensions with the United States. Ankara has not used them in military operations, but only for testing. The purchase led to Turkey’s exclusion from the U.S. F-35 program in 2019, and in 2020 Washington imposed sanctions on it.

A possible transfer could help Ankara repair its relationship with Washington and rejoin the F-35 program. However, the re-export cannot take place without Russia’s approval.