Trump Presses to Halt Russian Oil, Reopens F-35 Talks with Ankara

U.S.

President Donald Trump urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt purchases of Russian oil during talks at the White House, as part of Washington’s broader effort to curb Moscow’s war financing in Ukraine.

The move is part of a strategy to reduce revenues from Russian oil by pressuring key trading partners.

Trump also left the door open for Ankara to revisit rejoining the F-35 fighter jet program if progress is made.

Erdogan’s first visit in six years provided an opportunity to reset ties between the two NATO allies, with discussions covering defense, trade, and geopolitical hotspots, as well as the potential easing of sanctions on Turkish officials.

Trump signaled that swift outcomes are possible if talks advance, keeping Russian oil at the top of the agenda.