President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday categorically denied that Turkey was planning to send controversially bought Russian-made S-400 air defence systems to Ukraine.
There had been reports that Turkey's Nato allies had suggested the transfer to aid Ukraine's war effort.
But the Turkish leader told journalists aboard a flight back from the Nato summit in Brussels that his position on the Russian defence system was unchanged, reported broadcaster Haberturk.
The US imposed sanctions on Turkey's defence industry in December 2020 over the purchase of the S-400 system and expelled Ankara from the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, where it was a manufacturer and buyer. Ankara said those measures were unjust.
Nato allies said the purchase was incompatible with the defence alliance’s integrated weapons procurement and expressed fears that the Russian systems could give Moscow insight into how to spot the stealth F-35 joint strike fighter.
Reuters last week reported that the US had informally discussed the idea that Turkey could transfer its S-400 systems to Ukraine, which relies heavily on Russian military equipment despite massive arms flows from the West since the war started a month ago.
In exchange, Reuters suggested, the US would drop sanctions and reverse its suspension of Turkey’s part in the development and purchase of F-35 jets.
Asked about the reports on Friday, Mr Erdogan reportedly denied the idea had been raised and said of Washington: “All they do is cause commotion.”
However, the Turkish president added that talks with Washington on buying new F-16 jets and kits were going well. He said he hoped the talks would yield results soon.
The president said he also discussed the possibility of buying SAMP/T missile defence systems from the Franco-Italian Eurosam consortium with France's President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi at the summit.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
Kanye%20West
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'Gold'
Director:Anthony Hayes
Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes
Rating:3/5
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Match info
Bournemouth 0
Liverpool 4 (Salah 25', 48', 76', Cook 68' OG)
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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