Ankara (Sputnik) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Ergodan confirmed the determination on Monday in Ankara for the purchase of Russian systems s-400 Triumph air defense, despite the new U.S. sanctions against Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
“The s-400 is a problem bothering someone. Why? Turkey decides its fate itself. We will do what is beneficial for the country. And we’ve taken this step,” said Ergodan economic forum in Ankara.
The Turkish leader added that Ankara “should not ask someone to” sign any agreement.
On Friday, the US unveiled new sanctions against 38 Russian citizens and legal entities, including Rosoboronexport, as well as senior government officials and businessmen. Press Secretary of the foreign Ministry of Russia Maria Zakharova said on Sunday that Moscow a list of possible retaliatory measures in response to the recent extension of sanctions.
The Turkish President previously said that s-400 delivery systems is an issue that concerns only Russia and Turkey.
Internet Ankara with Russia for s-400 deliveries was reached in September, and in December the two countries signed a loan agreement for the purchase of the missiles in Turkey.
The Turkish authorities, the defense said that Turkey is going to purchase two batteries of the system, which will be operated and maintained by the Turkish military.
Russian-Turkish cooperation on s-400 delivery has been criticized by the North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO) and the United States, which has led security considerations and the lack of integration between s-400 and the NATO air defense system. Ankara, in turn, said that the purchase of military equipment is its sovereign right.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
