‘Waste of human life’: Trump urges Erdogan to halt purchase of Russian oil, F-35 deal in focus

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt purchases of Russian oil, arguing that cutting Moscow’s energy revenues is crucial to ending the war in Ukraine.

“I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine. And they’ve been fighting and lost millions of lives already, and for what? For what?” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office appearance with Erdogan.

.@POTUS on @RTErdogan: "He does an amazing job in his country...I would like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine. And they’ve been fighting and lost millions of lives already and for what? For what?" pic.twitter.com/qW2pl6Vtum

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— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 25, 2025

He underscored that Russia’s economy is already reeling under the costs of the conflict, yet energy sales remain a vital source of income. “With all of the heavy bombardment over the last two weeks, they’ve gained almost no land. Think of that. They’ve gained almost no land,” Trump said. “Russia spent millions and millions of dollars in bombs, missiles, ammunition and lives — and they’ve gained virtually no land.”

Calling the war “a waste of human life,” Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the offensive. “It’s such a waste of human life, and so he ought to stop. Putin ought to stop,” he said.
Despite his criticism of Moscow, Trump spoke warmly of Erdogan, describing him as a “long-standing friend” and praising his leadership. Their talks covered defence cooperation, regional security, and the war in Ukraine.

The meeting came as Trump weighed easing restrictions on US arms sales to Ankara, including advanced fighter jets. Tensions between the two NATO allies persist over Turkey’s 2017 purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, which led to US sanctions in 2020 and Ankara’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme the following year.

Trump’s latest remarks are part of a broader U.S. push to persuade allies and partners to reduce energy ties with Russia in an effort to increase pressure on the Kremlin.