U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey after Ankara acquired Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, [reports](https://entrevue.fr/ru/monde/trump-annonce-la-levee-des-sanctions-contre-la-turquie-et-ouvre-la-voie-a-une-vente-de-f-35/) entrevue. Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, he also stated that he supports the possible sale of American fifth-generation F-35 fighters to Turkey, although this initiative is likely to face resistance in Congress. During his visit to Turkey — the first visit by a sitting U.S. president in the last eleven years — Trump was ceremonially welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The official ceremony featuring a mounted honor guard at the presidential palace underscored the noticeable warming of relations between the two leaders. At a joint press conference, Trump repeatedly spoke of a "good understanding" with Erdoğan and stated that relations between Washington and Ankara "have never been better." This tone sharply contrasts with the period of Joe Biden's administration, when relations between the two countries remained tense. According to Trump, the U.S. State Department and the Treasury Department are already working on lifting the sanctions imposed in 2020 in response to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 systems. The president also confirmed that he is ready to support the delivery of F-35 fighters to Ankara. However, Turkey's return to the F-35 program remains in question. Currently, the U.S. Congress prohibits the sale of these aircraft as long as Turkey retains the Russian S-400 systems in its arsenal. In recent days, several American lawmakers have already opposed easing the restrictions, so the final decision is likely to be the subject of serious political discussions in Washington. Donald Trump's statements indicate a desire to restore strategic cooperation with Turkey; however, the implementation of these plans will depend not only on the White House but also on the position of the U.S. Congress. It is up to lawmakers to decide whether Ankara can regain access to American F-35 fighters.