Kremlin Denies S-400 Return Talks Between Putin and Erdogan

The Kremlin has denied reports that Turkey sought to return a Russian missile defense system. Recent media claims suggested Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed sending back the Russian S-400 air defense systems during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders met in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, last week. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov directly refuted these reports. He stated the issue was not discussed at the Ashgabat meeting. Turkey's purchase of the advanced S-400 system from Russia in 2019 caused a major diplomatic crisis with NATO allies. The United States argued the system threatened NATO defenses and removed Turkey from a U.S. fighter jet program.