18.12.2025 16:11
The Kremlin Palace spokesman Dmitriy Peskov denied claims from the U.S. press that Turkey wants to return the S-400 air defense systems to Russia in order to return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
Kremlin Palace Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made statements regarding regional and global developments in a press conference. Peskov denied claims by the U.S.-based Bloomberg News that Turkey wanted to return the S-400 air defense systems to Russia in order to return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
Peskov emphasized that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not address this issue during their meetings in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, on December 12. The Kremlin spokesman also responded to a question from reporters about whether a potential return would damage relations between Turkey and Russia, saying, "No, we do not think it will affect. Moreover, this issue is not on our agenda."
"VENEZUELA IS OUR ALLY"
The Kremlin spokesman answered a question about Russia's stance on Venezuela and whether it would support the country amid tensions with the U.S., saying, "Venezuela is our ally, our partner, and we are in constant contact." Peskov noted that Putin had a phone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on December 11, emphasizing that the leaders expressed their determination to continue cooperation in various fields between the two countries.
Peskov also addressed the rising political tensions in the region following U.S. President Donald Trump's designation of the Venezuelan government as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization." Peskov stated, "We are aware that tensions in the region are escalating and we believe this poses a potential danger. Russia calls on Latin American countries to exercise restraint against unexpected developments that may occur around Venezuela."
U.S.-RUSSIA MEETING IN MIAMI
The Kremlin spokesman commented on the meeting that U.S. and Russian officials will hold this weekend in Miami, Florida, saying, "We are preparing to have some contacts with our American counterparts to gather information on the results of the Americans' work with Europeans and Ukrainians."
It is expected that U.S. President Donald Trump's Special Representative for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, along with Trump's special advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as Putin's Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev, will attend the meeting.
BARRACK SAID, "TURKEY SHOULD NOT HAVE S-400s"
The U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack, previously stated in a social media post regarding the negotiations for Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program, "According to U.S. laws, Turkey must not use or possess the S-400 systems to return to the F-35 program." - MOSCOW