• Trump describes call with Erdogan as 'very good and productive' on Truth Social.
  • Leaders discuss Ukraine war, Syria stability, and potential White House meeting in June.
  • Erdogan pushes for resolution on S-400 sanctions, F-16 deal, and Kurdish group tensions.

A Diplomatic Reset in Motion

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held what Trump called a "very good and productive" phone conversation on May 5, signaling warming ties between the NATO allies. The discussion, which Trump highlighted on his Truth Social platform, covered critical geopolitical flashpoints including efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stabilize Syria.

Erdogan praised Trump's "decisive and direct initiatives" on Ukraine during the call, according to sources familiar with the discussion. The Turkish leader reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to pursuing "a just and lasting peace" in the region. This comes as Turkey positions itself as a key mediator between Moscow and Kyiv, having previously brokered the Black Sea grain deal.

The Road to Washington

Diplomatic sources suggest both sides are exploring a potential White House meeting in June, though neither camp has confirmed specific dates. The invitation follows months of behind-the-scenes talks aimed at resetting a relationship strained by Turkey's 2019 acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems - a move that triggered U.S. sanctions and Ankara's removal from the F-35 program.

"There's clear momentum here," said one European diplomat briefed on the call, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Both leaders see value in demonstrating a functional partnership, especially with so many regional crises intersecting."

Unfinished Business

While the tone appears positive, substantive hurdles remain. Erdogan pressed for progress on several fronts: lifting CAATSA sanctions tied to the S-400 purchase, finalizing Turkey's long-pending order for 40 new F-16 jets, and addressing U.S. support for Kurdish groups in Syria that Turkey designates as terrorists.

Trump's recent appointment of Tom Barrack as ambassador to Ankara suggests a focus on rebuilding the strategic partnership. Barrack, a longtime Trump confidant, is expected to prioritize mending defense sector ties while navigating Turkey's delicate balancing act between NATO obligations and its relationship with Moscow.

What Comes Next

Market watchers are monitoring whether warming ties could unlock Turkey's stalled defense modernization plans. Shares of Turkish aerospace firms edged higher following news of the leaders' call, though analysts caution that concrete policy shifts remain uncertain.

Should the June meeting proceed, it would mark Trump's first formal engagement with Erdogan since leaving office - and potentially set the stage for coordinated approaches to everything from Black Sea security to energy corridors. For now, both sides appear content to highlight the call's productive tone while technical teams work on bridging substantive gaps.