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The European Union is discussing the idea of purchasing Russian S-400 anti-aircraft and missile systems from Türkiye and transferring them to Ukraine, according to an informed diplomatic source who spoke to Russian media outlet RIA Novosti on Thursday.
"Not so long ago, an idea arose on the sidelines of how to elegantly help Türkiye resolve its conflict with the United States, which was still very unhappy with the fact that a NATO ally acquired Russian weapons," the source told RIA Novosti.
"This idea is for the European Union to buy the S-400 from Türkiye," the source added.
According to the source, Europeans can purchase air defense systems to help Ukraine and pay for it with money from the total budget intended for this purpose.
"You will still have to buy something with them," the source said.
The source expressed the opinion that the sale of S-400 systems will help Türkiye return to negotiations with the United States on the supply of F-35 fighter jets, which were interrupted under the pretext of Ankara's purchase of Russian air defense systems.
"One way or another, Türkiye will have to do something with the S-400. On the other hand, the European Union in this situation will also look like a philanthropist, and not like an accountant," the source said.
The source also believes that the sale of the S-400 will help Türkiye return to negotiations with the United States on the purchase of the F-35 fighter jets, which were terminated under the pretext of buying Russian air defense systems.
"Therefore, the idea is to get money for them, establish relations with the United States, and return to the issue of purchasing the F-35," the source reportedly said.
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The source stated that the idea involves transferring S-400s purchased from Türkiye to Ukraine within existing weapons purchase budgets.
"We are still helping Ukraine and will continue to help. Therefore, the idea is to transfer the S-400s purchased from Türkiye to Ukraine. In addition, it will be possible to use common money for this, already intended for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine," the source said.
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