The US State Department confirmed that Türkiye has signed a letter of offer and acceptance for the purchase of F-16 warplanes from the United States.
Türkiye plans to acquire 40 new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets and 79 modernization kits to upgrade its existing fleet. The US administration expressed support for the $20 billion sale after Türkiye approved Sweden’s NATO membership, with President Joe Biden urging Congress to approve the deal.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
TR