Turkey released audio recordings of what it says are the Turkish military’s warnings to the pilot of the Russian plane that was shot down at the border with Syria.
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Russia’s Economy Ministry said Moscow will also limit flights between Russian Federation and Turkey, halt preparations for a joint free trade zone, and restrict high profile projects with Turkey.
“Given the repeated violations of Russian standards by Turkish producers, the Russian government has instructed the Rosselkhoznadzor to introduce strict controls over the delivery of agricultural and food products from Turkey and arrange additional checks at the border and at production sites in the Republic of Turkey”, Alexander Tkachev said as quoted by the ministry’s press service.
It also said fighter jets would now escort its bombers during air strikes over Syria.
One of them was killed by gunfire as he parachuted from the burning plane.
The remarks made by the Russian pilot are in contrast to those of Turkish government that claimed its F-16 warplanes had issued warnings before shooting down the aircraft.
Turkey said it was ready for “all kinds of co-operation” with Moscow over the incident.
Some Russian tour operators have already said they will be curtailing travel to Turkey – a top destination for Russian vacationers.
Capt Konstantin Murakhtin also stressed there was “no way” the jet could have violated Turkish airspace, as Ankara said it did.
A Russian marine was killed and a helicopter destroyed by rebels during the operation.
According to the Turkish president, such an incident is possible, and “it will make us (Turkey) take further action that are not to be discussed, of course”.
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The unusual clash between Russian Federation and a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation member highlights the risky and unpredictable nature of the Syrian war, which has drawn global powers, including the United States, into a chaotic and complex conflict. Since 2014, a US-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes on ISIL positions, without Damascus’ approval.
