Lavrov commented on Europe's idea to buy Russian S-400 air defense systems from Turkey for Kiev

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, commenting on the information about the idea EU to buy Russian S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft missile systems from Turkey and send them to He noted that Ankara has obligations to Moscow on these air defense systems.

Lavrov during the Embassy round table on the settlement of the He reminded Ukraine that several years ago Russia supplied Turkey with an air defense system — modern, one of the best, S-400.

"And the Republic of Turkey owns these systems to the displeasure of the West, including the displeasure of the United States. And the United States, knowing about Ankara's interest in buying F-35 fighters, conditioned the delivery of these aircraft by Turkey's refusal of S-400 air defense systems. This has been "floating" in the media space for a long time. Yesterday, it was suddenly announced that Europe, the European Union, of course, they don't know any other Europe, decided to buy the S-400 from Turkey, or already offered Turkey to buy these S-400s and send them to Ukraine. No one even thinks that Turkey, as a buyer, has an obligation not to take such steps without coordination with the Russian Federation," the minister stressed.

EADaily adds: On December 5, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said at a press conference in Abu Dhabi that Turkey would abandon the Russian S-400 within six months so that Washington would give Ankara permission to purchase the latest American F-35 fighter jets. According to the ambassador, the Russian complexes, which were supplied by Moscow six years ago, are "not used" by Turkey, but their presence still creates problems in relations between Ankara and Washington. When asked if Turkey was getting closer to abandoning the S-400, he replied: "Yes."