Image default
Asia Europe Top Stories

Erdogan warns Russia after ‘undesirable’ incursion

erdogan-putin

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Moscow against taking “undesirable steps” on Tuesday following accusations Russia deliberately violated Turkish air space in its bombing campaign in Syria.

Russian fighter jets entered Turkish air space in two separate incidents at the weekend, prompting Ankara to summon the Russian ambassador twice to protest both violations.

Meanwhile, the Turkish military has said its fighter jets were harassed by a MIG-29 plane from an unidentified country close to Syria on Sunday and Monday.

In his toughest remarks yet, the Turkish president lashed out at the incursions, saying “some undesirable steps have been taken and it does not befit Turkey to accept this.”

“It is, of course, not possible to remain patient about this,” he added on a state visit to Belgium.

Ankara’s anger has intensified controversy over its bombing campaign in Syria which Turkey and the West fear is aimed at keeping President Bashar al-Assad in power.

Turkey and Russia have long been at loggerheads over the Syrian conflict, with Ankara seeking the overthrow of Assad while Moscow does everything to keep him in power.

“For us, this does not look like an accident, it is a serious violation,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels.

Russia has acknowledged one air incursion incident into Turkey on Saturday, which it blamed on “unfavourable weather conditions”.

Russia and Turkey have in recent years sought to step up cooperation, agreeing to build a new gas pipeline beneath the Black Sea and Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, while targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade from 2023.

But Erdogan warned that Russia risked losing Turkey as a friend if its behaviour continued.

“If Russia loses a friend like Turkey with whom it has a lot of cooperation it is going to lose a lot of things. It needs to know this,” he added. – AFP

 

Dear TNT Reader,

At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.

Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.

But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.

Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.

Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription

Visa Card MasterCard American Express Card

We want to hear your Travel Stories.

Do you have a memorable, unbelievable, or favorite travel experience? Share your story with us.