The U.S. State Department clarified to Congress that Turkey will not be able to receive F-35 fighter jets as long as it possesses the Russian S-400 air defense system. In a letter sent to Democratic Representative Wesley Bell, it was emphasized that the law prohibits the transfer of the aircraft until Ankara removes the Russian system from its possession and commits not to purchase similar systems in the future. This position contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump's earlier statement this month at the NATO summit in Ankara, according to which Turkey would receive the fighter jets. 'Turkey has not yet met these conditions,' the State Department stated.