The Kremlin announced on Friday that there is communication between Russia and Turkey regarding the possibility of Ankara selling a Russian air defense system to a third country, which requires Moscow's approval.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "We have made contacts with the Turkish side on this matter and will continue our communications."

He added: "I can say one thing: it is a very sensitive topic."

The pro-government newspaper Hürriyet said that the S-400 system was sold to a third country, which is a country in the Middle East region.

Turkey seeks to get rid of this Russian anti-missile system, which it purchased in 2017, after it faced US Congress sanctions as a result.

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Ankara was excluded from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019, and the following year it faced sanctions imposed by the US Congress under the 'Countering America's Adversaries' law.

Likewise, it did not receive F-110 engines for the Turkish Kaan fighter jet.

During his participation in the NATO summit in Ankara on Tuesday and Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced that he supports lifting these sanctions, but his decision alone is not sufficient.

Turkey must therefore get rid of the Russian S-400 system on its territory, even if it has only been used for tests. However, selling the system requires Russia's approval, as Turkey does not have a license to re-export it.