Ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special representative for Syria engagement, has stated that Turkey’s purchase of a Russian S-400 surface-to-air defense system remains the biggest snag in relations between Washington and Ankara, according to Sputnik International.
Speaking at an event held by Hudson Institute on Tuesday, Jeffrey explained that this issue is complicated because it involves the US fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter project, as Turkey’s actions allegedly undermine the aircraft’s potential.
He noted, however, that the US and Turkey see eye-to-eye on the majority of other issues, including NATO and the situation in Libya, Syria and Iraq.
The United States claims that the S-400 missiles, delivered by Moscow to Turkey in July 2019, are incompatible with NATO defenses and present a threat to the operation of F-35 jets.
So far, Ankara has refused to make any concessions regarding the S-400 purchase.