United States President Donald Trump has put pressure on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stop oil supplies from Russia, while leaving open the possibility of Ankara acquiring the F-35 fighter jets, as the two leaders sought to resolve a series of long-standing differences that have strained relations between the two NATO allies.

“I would like to stop buying any oil from Russia as long as Russia continues this invasion of Ukraine,” Trump said Thursday next to Erdogan in the Oval Office.

The comments come amid the U.S. president’s continued pressure on allies to reduce Russian energy imports to limit Kremlin funding for its war against Ukraine. Trump this week reiterated his belief that Kiev can achieve victory over Moscow by increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin.

Erdogan’s visit to the White House – the first in six years – was an opportunity for a rapprochement between the US and Turkey as the two countries try to manage defence deals, regional conflicts and competition with Russia and China.

Trump said he would discuss with Erdogan Ankara’s request to rejoin the F-35 program, but made no commitment. He added that if the meeting turns out positively, sanctions against Turkish officials could be lifted “almost immediately.”

When asked after the meeting whether it had paved the way for a deal on the F-35, Trump avoided giving a clear answer: “I could easily do it if I wanted to. We might do it.” He added that “it depends, he’ll do something for us, too,” without giving further details.

BREAKING: Trump:

We can easily do a deal on F-35's with Türkiye, but Erdogan going to do something for us first. pic.twitter.com/pycqRVIUdL

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 25, 2025

He added that “it depends, he’ll do something for us.

The two countries have been at odds for years over Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program. Turkey, an original partner in developing the fighter, was excluded from the program when it purchased the Russian S-400 air defense system, prompting congressional sanctions that remain in place. Trump has hinted that a compromise is possible, while Ankara hopes a solution around the S-400 deployment could reopen the way for the F-35 acquisition. The US president also said he would discuss with Erdogan the possibility of buying the US Patriot system as an alternative option.

Reporter: Did Erdogan agree to stop buying Russian oil?

Trump: I don't want to say that. But if I wanted him to, he would. pic.twitter.com/0jlhcO14jZ

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 25, 2025

The geopolitical dimension

Trump stressed that Turkey depends on US military and diplomatic support and that its commitment to NATO is seen as critical to the alliance’s progress at a time when it faces new challenges from a more aggressive Russia. Equally important, according to Trump, is the possibility that Erdogan could play a role in persuading Putin to stop the war. “I think he could have a lot of influence if he wants to. For now, he prefers to remain neutral,” he said, reiterating that cutting off imports of Russian energy is the most effective leverage measure.

Asked by reporters whether he had obtained a commitment from Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil, Trump refrained from answering, but hinted that the Turkish president “will stop if he asks him to.”

The US president also referred to Hungary, which also supplies Russian energy, noting that he understands the difficulties some economies face, as Victor Orbán’s country is landlocked and energy-dependent.

Russia remains Turkey’s largest energy supplier: in 2024, it covered 66% of oil imports and 41% of gas imports, according to data from the national regulator. Recently, Ankara signed contracts to diversify its energy mix, including a 20-year deal with US-based Mercuria Energy for liquefied natural gas.

Trump’s strategy towards Moscow

Despite his campaign promises to end Russia’s war “from day one”, Trump has so far been met with intransigence from Putin, who has avoided direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and stepped up attacks.

Trump’s growing annoyance with the Russian leader has been accompanied by more pressure on allies, whom he is calling on to cut Russian energy imports and impose new tariffs on countries such as India and China. Already last month, he doubled the tariff on goods from India to 50%, punishing New Delhi for its purchases of Russian energy. Instead, it has refrained from taking similar action against China as Washington-Peking trade talks continue.

Europe, which needs energy imports to meet its needs, continues to buy fuel from India and Turkey, countries that import crude from Russia and process it for export.

Despite the tensions that have marked their relationship in the past, Trump and Erdogan appear willing to seek a new basis for cooperation. “He is a man with strong views. I don’t usually like people with a lot of opinions, but I’ve always liked him – even though he’s tough,” Trump commented.

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