U.S. warns Turkey: Halt tech exports to Russia or face consequences

The American government has issued a warning to Turkish authorities, emphasizing that Ankara will face "consequences" if it does not curb the export of equipment related to American military technology to Russia. This technology is crucial for the operation of the Russian armed forces.

The U.S. is demanding that the Turkish government take clear steps to limit the trade with Russia of goods that support the functioning of the Russian war machine, reports the Financial Times.

Matthew Axelrod, the Deputy Secretary of Commerce responsible for directing U.S. actions aimed at keeping sensitive technology away from potential enemies of the United States, met with Turkish officials and government representatives in Ankara and Istanbul for this purpose.

The aim of these meetings was to encourage Turkey to take actions that would stop illegal trade. As quoted by the Financial Times, Axelrod stated that the message is clear – Turkey must make greater efforts to limit the trade of American-origin chips and other parts that are crucial for Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.

"We need Turkey's help to stop the illegal flow of American technology to Russia," Axelrod said in a statement to the Financial Times. "We need to see rapid progress from Turkish authorities and industry in this field; otherwise, we will have no choice but to impose consequences on those who evade our export controls," he added.

Washington's warning is a direct reaction to Turkey's recent decision to maintain strong trade ties with Russia. This has strained relations between the two NATO allies.

The United States, the European Union, and other Western partners have imposed far-reaching sanctions on Russia since it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, since the outbreak of the war, Turkey has avoided restrictions and increased trade with Russia.