The United States has imposed sanctions on Turkey. The sanctions were imposed on Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) under Section 231 of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), for knowingly participating in a major transaction with Rosoboronexport to purchase S-400 air defense systems.
The sanctions include a ban on all US export licenses and authorizations for the SSB, the freezing of financial accounts, and visa restrictions on the head of the agency, Ismail Demir, and other SSB officials.
“The United States has made clear to Turkey at the highest levels that the purchase of the S-400 system endangers the security of US military equipment and personnel and provides substantial funds to Russia’s defense sector, as well as giving Russia access to Turkey’s armed forces and defense industry. Nevertheless, Turkey has decided to continue purchasing and testing the S-400, despite the availability of alternative systems compatible with NATO that would meet its defense requirements. As a result of this decision, Turkey’s participation in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter international partnership has been suspended.
Today’s action is a clear signal that the United States fully upholds Section 231 of CAATSA and will not tolerate major transactions with Russian defense and intelligence agencies. I also call on Turkey to immediately resolve the S-400 issue in coordination with the United States. Turkey is a valued ally of the United States and an important partner in ensuring regional security, and we seek to continue our long history of effective cooperation in the defense sector by removing the obstacle related to Turkey’s possession of the S-400 as soon as possible,” said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement.
