The Russian government views the potential sale of S-400 air defence systems currently operated by Türkiye to the United Arab Emirates in a "positive light", multiple sources familiar with the issue told Middle East Eye, while cautioning that negotiations have yet to be completed, EDnews reports.
The Russian S-400 systems, purchased by Türkiye in 2019, have been a major headache for Ankara. The acquisition led to Türkiye's removal from the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet programme and triggered a series of US sanctions on Türkiye's defence industry.
Russian and Turkish sources familiar with the issue told MEE that negotiations over the resale of the systems to a third country, the UAE, have been continuing for months.
In a statement on Friday, the Kremlin confirmed reports that it was in talks with Türkiye over the sale of the systems to a third country. Dmitry Peskov, the presidential spokesperson, said the issue was highly sensitive and that consultations would continue for the time being.
"Moscow's response to Türkiye's idea of selling the systems to a third country was: why not?" a Russian source said. "There are some details that need to be worked out, and a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin has to be made."
The source added that if the UAE ultimately makes the purchase, it would be very important for Russia to fully accept and abide by the terms of the contract signed with Ankara. "Moscow will look into this," the source said.
Several Turkish sources pointed out that the UAE already operates some Russian air defence systems, such as the Pantsir.
They added that Abu Dhabi has been diversifying its weapons procurement from different countries to strengthen its overall defence capabilities.
According to the sources, Moscow had previously declined to take back the Turkish systems, despite reports to the contrary.
A planned Turkish announcement on Friday declaring to the public that Ankara had begun talks to sell the systems to a third country was cancelled, according to a source, who did not specify the reasons.
Ankara insiders speculate that Moscow could ask Türkiye for several concessions in return.
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