Washington-US President Donald Trump has pressed Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia, framing it as a crucial step to cut Moscow’s war funding in Ukraine.

Speaking at the White House alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump said halting energy imports from Russia would be “the best thing” Erdogan could do. He added that Erdogan, who is respected by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, could play a major role in influencing the conflict.

Despite the talks, no deal was reached on lifting US sanctions on Turkey or reviving Ankara’s long-blocked purchase of F-35 fighter jets, although Trump signaled optimism about progress. Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after it bought Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.

Trump’s appeal comes as Turkey remains one of Russia’s top buyers of oil and gas, alongside India and China. Earlier this year, Russian gas deliveries to Europe via Turkey rose by more than 26 percent.

The US president’s remarks follow his repeated warnings that NATO members must stop importing Russian energy. During his UN General Assembly speech earlier this week, he accused allies of “funding the war against themselves” through continued purchases.

US lawmakers have also raised concerns over Turkey’s potential return to the F-35 program, citing its military actions in Syria, violations of Greek airspace, and ties with Moscow. However, Trump said he was hopeful about future agreements, adding that sanctions on Turkey could be lifted “very soon” if talks progress positively.

The Oval Office meeting was the second encounter between Trump and Erdogan this week, following brief talks at the UN General Assembly.