Former President Donald Trump recently hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House, marking their first formal meeting since 2019. Continuing wars in Ukraine and Syria provided a sobering backdrop to the talks. Trump boldly promised that Ukraine would take back land it lost to Russia. During the meeting, he expressed optimism over potential sanctions relief for Turkey’s defense industries, contingent on the success of their dialogue.
Trump stated unequivocally that Ukraine could regain all the territory captured by Russia since the invasion began in February 2022. He reiterated the pledge to end the war, which he stated was “such a waste of human life.” His comments come amid increasing international pressure on Russia’s war in Ukraine. At a time of unprecedented humanitarian need, there has never been a more important time to ensure that humanitarian resolution of crises remains neutral.
Highlights from the Meeting
During the campaign, Trump took this line of rhetoric even further, praising Erdogan for his authoritarianism, especially as it pertains to Turkey’s power over war-torn Syria. Erdogan, he said, has been critical in holding the center ground against the paradoxes and ambiguities of this unraveling conflict. Trump credited the Turkish president for efforts in securing sanctions relief in Syria, saying, “I think President Erdogan is responsible for the successful fight in ridding Syria of its past leader.”
Yet, Trump’s gratitude for Erdogan extended beyond simply defending his own hide to regional dynamics. He remarked on the significance of their relationship, stating, “We’ve had a very good relationship for a long time.” This meeting was part of a larger engagement with Middle Eastern leaders, where Trump reiterated his strategy for peace and stability in the region.
“He’s a highly respected man. He’s respected very much in his country and all throughout Europe and throughout the world where they know him.” – Donald Trump
At that meeting, Trump indicated that he was considering rolling back sanctions on Turkey’s defense sectors, should talks move in a favorable direction. Secondly, he pointed out that sanctions relief could begin “as soon as” following their meeting. To name a few, he singled out Turkey as bad news because they want to buy F-35 fighter jets. Turkey was kicked out of the program in 2019 due to its acquisition of Russian missile systems.
The Path Forward for Ukraine
Pointing to the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, Trump continued to stand on a promise to quickly end Russia’s invasion. He said he was hopeful for a resolution. He says the United States is “very, very close to a deal” that would end the hostilities. He further emphasized the need to bring home all Israeli captives in Gaza as a condition for reaching any ceasefire.
Trump’s remarks included a call for Erdogan to halt oil purchases from Russia while the latter continues its military campaign against Ukraine. This is part of an even larger strategy to put pressure on Moscow by economic means.
“I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine.” – Donald Trump
In an effort to stabilize Syria, Trump lifted some of these sanctions. The goal of this decision was to improve the passage of humanitarian aid. He stated, “I took sanctions off in order to let them breathe because those sanctions were very strong.”
Regional Dynamics and Future Cooperation
The outcome of the conversations Trump has had this week with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan foreshadow a new U.S.-Turkey relationship. With both leaders having established goodwill and mutual respect for one another, there remains a chance for improved cooperation in the future. Erdogan himself noted, “I believe in the peace efforts Mr. Trump is leading,” indicating a willingness to work together on regional issues.
Together, these statements reveal that Trump views Turkey as a key ally in the emerging order and disorder that will be shaped by today’s geopolitical challenges. He expressed confidence in Erdogan’s ability to secure necessary military assets, stating, “I think he’ll be successful in buying the things that he wants to buy.”
The thawing of U.S.-Turkey relations, if it does happen, would be a major victory for both countries’ desires to be seen as key players in international diplomacy. As tensions rise in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Together, these leaders can establish new avenues to overcome disputes and support lasting peace.
