Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in reaction to reports that the Turkish military has begun testing S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia VOA reports.

“Today’s test by Turkey of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system is a stark reminder that Ankara is not deterred by simple meek pleas coming from the Trump administration.  Erdogan only responds to actions, not words. In July 2019, Turkey took delivery of the S-400 in clear violation of U.S. sanctions mandated by the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions law. The Trump Administration has ignored the law, weakening our hand against Putin.  It has also has emboldened Erdogan, leading to today’s test.

“President Trump’s failure to follow the law and his affinity for Recep Tayyip Erdogan pose a serious threat to our national security and that of our NATO allies and partners in Europe.  The CAATSA mandate is clear and the administration must follow the law – Turkey must be sanctioned immediately for its purchase and use of this system.”

Earlier in June, President Donald Trump said it was a “difficult” situation for the United States to respond to Turkey’s deal to coordinate the S-400 missile defense system from Russia, adding that possible sanctions were being discussed.

At the same time, Trump expressed sympathy for his Turkish counterpart Erdogan, accusing the administration of former US President Barack Obama of making conditions for Turkey to buy “Patriot” missiles.

“We are looking for different solutions. It’s a problem, there is no question about it,” Trump said during a bilateral meeting with Erdogan.