By Humeyra Pamuk

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Three sources close to the situation say that the United States raised the possibility with Turkey of sending the Russian-made S-400 missile defence systems to Ukraine in order to assist it in fighting invading Russian troops.

Sources told Reuters that U.S. diplomats have discussed the idea with Turkish counterparts in the past month but did not make any formal requests. It was also mentioned briefly by the Deputy Secretary to State Wendy Sherman during her visit to Turkey earlier in March.

In an effort to stop the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started on February 24, 2012, the Biden administration asked allies to use Russian-made equipment or systems such as S-300s/S-400s.

Analysts stated that Turkey would reject the idea. This was part of an ongoing discussion between Sherman officials and Turkish officials regarding how America can support Ukraine more and how to strengthen bilateral ties.

Turkish authorities did not respond to any U.S. proposal or suggestion relating the the transfer of Ankara’s S-400 systems to Ukraine. These S-400 systems have long been a source of dispute between NATO allies.

Officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry were unavailable for immediate comment.

Turkish analysts and sources said that any suggestion to do so would not be accepted by Turkey. They cited issues such as technical difficulties in installing the S-400s and their operation in Ukraine and political worries such as what Moscow would think of Ankara.

Washington demanded Ankara repeatedly to remove the Russian-built missile systems from the surface-to air. The first delivery was in July 2019. United States sanctions have been imposed on Turkey’s defence sector and NATO member Turkey has been removed from F-35 fighter jet program.

Ankara claims it had to choose the S-400s after its allies refused to provide arms on acceptable terms.

Officials from the United States are eager to take advantage of this opportunity to bring Turkey back to Washington. U.S. officials and Turkish sources say that efforts have been intensified to come up with “creative” solutions to the problem.

Sherman spoke out to Haberturk, a Turkish television station on March 5, saying that while everyone is aware of the S-400’s long-standing problems, this was a time when it might be possible to find a solution.

The State Department did not respond to questions regarding her remarks. It is unclear what she was referring to. The White House didn’t respond to our request for comment on the suggestion she made while visiting Turkey.

This is part of the larger bid made by the Biden Administration to answer Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukrainian president, for help protecting Ukraine’s skies. Russian-made or Soviet-made aircraft defense systems, such as S-300s and S-400s, are being sought by NATO allies.

According to a source with knowledge of U.S. thinking, Washington was able to imagine the possibility because of renewed efforts at improving ties in a period when Ankara is being scared by Russia’s invasion.

According to another source, Erdogan did not receive a heads-up from Vladimir Putin regarding his plans for a large-scale attack against Ukraine.

Turkey has strong ties to both Russia and Ukraine through its maritime borders. The Turkish government has condemned the invading force and offered support to Ukraine. However, it has also opposed sanctions on Moscow and offered mediation.

Analysts say Ankara carefully constructed its rhetoric to not offend Moscow. Moscow has strong energy, defense, and tourism ties with Ankara. Ankara also sold Kyiv military drones and agreed to produce more. This angered the Kremlin. Turkey is also opposed to Russian actions in Syria, Libya and its 2014 annexe of Crimea.

Aaron Stein, Director of Research at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute said that Turkey has “walked on the razor’s edge” and that a Russian S-400 transfer would likely lead to Russian fury. And for Erdogan, S-400 has been a symbol of Turkish sovereignty. So trading it away wouldn’t be all roses.