Global Geopolitical Series: Trump-Erdogan to negotiate over purchase of Russian S-400 MDS

On Monday, the White House put an end to the speculations over sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian made S-400 Missile Defense System (MDS) - a decision which came under intense criticism in the United States. The two countries have been at loggerheads over the purchases of these advanced MDS, with Ankara not willing to bend over its decision to buy.

After U.S. Secretary Mike Pompeo and numerous U.S. Senators warned Turkey that there would be consequences for such an action such as sanctions on Turkey over the purchases but not limited to, President Erdogan’s administration reached out for negotiation over the issue. On Monday, White house indeed confirmed that President Trump held a phone call with the Turkish president and agreed to form a joint working group to negotiate over the issue.

While Turkey argues that it is NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member and poses no threat to the United States or its allies with such purchases, the U.S. argued that exactly because it is a member of NATO, it should purchase its equipment from the U.S. or other NATO allies. The U.S has also threatened to block Turkey’s purchase of advanced F-35 fighter jets from the United States. Turkey intends to buy four S-400 units for a price of $2.5 billion, with delivery expected this year.