Russian President Putin And Turkish President Erdogan To Meet This Week To Discuss Energy (But Syria is What They Will Discuss)

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan meets with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Sept. 23. (Photo: Cihan)

The Independent: Putin and Erdogan to meet in Istanbul to discuss energy issues – but Syria will be the real talking point

As relations between Russia and Turkey thaw, those between Ankara and Washington are getting chillier. The US will very much be a factor in what transpires in Istanbul this week

While the US is focused on latest revelations about Donald Trump and the turmoil they are causing in the run-up to the elections, a meeting is due to take place in Istanbul between Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan which is likely to have highly significant international strategic consequences.

The official reason for the Russian President’s visit to Turkey on Monday is the World Energy Congress and there are, indeed, important energy issues which both Ankara and Moscow are keen to discuss. Talks on the Turkish Stream project, suspended after the Turks shot down a Russian warplane last November, have now resumed and will be pursued vigorously. The aim of the project is to transport 63bn cubic meters of natural gas a year to Europe through pipelines to the Bosphorous.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Putin does not trust Erdogan .... but in the current climate there appears to be a "meeting of minds" between Erdogan and Putin on what to do in Syria. What also helps Putin is Erdogan's belief that the U.S. was involved on some level in the attempted coup against him this summer .... and I am sure that he is going to exploit it when they meet this week.

Russian President Putin And Turkish President Erdogan Meet To Repair Relations

The Guardian: Erdoğan and Putin discuss closer ties in first meeting since jet downing

Turkish president holds talks in St Petersburg with Russian counterpart, thanking him for support in wake of last month’s coup attempt

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a clear-the-air summit in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the first time the pair have met since they fell out over the Russian fighter jet downed by the Turkish air force last November. After more than three hours of talks, the two leaders promised to return their economic relations to “pre-crisis” levels and attempt to put the bad blood of the past nine months behind them.

Read more ....

More News On Russian President Putin And Turkish President Erdogan Meeting To Repair Relations

Putin and Erdogan move toward repairing Russia-Turkey ties -- Reuters
Erdogan meets with Putin for first time since Russian warplane downed -- AP
Russian, Turkish Leaders Pledge To Restore Bilateral Ties -- RFE
Turkey and Russia agree to mend tense ties -- Al Jazeera
Erdogan in Russia to mend bilateral ties with Putin -- DW
Turkish President Meets Vladimir Putin in 1st Trip Since Failed Coup Attempt -- ABC News
Russia, Turkey pledge to put ties back on track -- Daily Hurriyet News
Turkey ready to transit Russian natural gas to Europe via Turkish Stream pipeline - Erdogan -- RT
Erdogan says glad to receive Putin’s call after Turkey coup attempt -- TASS
Turkey, Russia reinstating $100 billion bilateral trade target: Erdogan -- Reuters
Putin Wants to Restore Full Ties with Turkey -- VOA
Putin offers Turkey's Erdogan closer ties -- BBC
Putin: Ankara Makes Positive Decision on Resuming Akkuyu, Turkish Stream -- Spuitnik
Putin says his talks with Erdogan were constructive and important -- TASS
Putin: Russia, Turkey want to restore bilateral relations -- TASS
Erdogan Exclusive: New page in Russia-Turkey relations -- TASS
Turkey’s Erdogan pivots to Putin as tensions rise with the West -- Andrew Roth and Erin Cunningham, Washington post
What's behind the Turkey-Russia reset? -- Dimitar Bechev, Al Jazeera

Russian President Putin Will Meet Turkish President Erdogan On August 9 In St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) gestures after greeting Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Moscow's Kremlin July 18, 2012. REUTERS/SERGEI KARPUKHIN

Reuters: Putin and Erdogan to meet next month amid growing rapprochement

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan next month for the first time in almost a year, a sign that a rapprochement between the two nations is gathering pace.

Russian trade sanctions imposed on Ankara over the Turkish shooting down of a Russian jet near the Syrian border last November remain in place, and Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said on Tuesday they were unlikely to be lifted before the two leaders met.

Ulyukayev was speaking as senior officials from the two nations, including Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, met in Moscow to lay the ground for a gradual thaw in ties.

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WNU Editor: They have buried their differences.

More News On Russian President Putin Will Meet Turkish President Erdogan On August 9 In St. Petersburg

Putin, Erdogan 'Turn the Page' Ahead of August 9 Meeting in St. Petersburg -- Sputnik
Putin, Erdogan Mend Ties as Post-Coup Turkey Turns to Russia -- Bloomberg
Erdogan to meet with Putin for the first time since flap over downed fighter jet -- FOX News
Turkish President Erdoğan to visit Russia on Aug 9, says minister -- Daily Hurriyet Daily News
Erdogan, Putin to Meet in Two Weeks -- Novinite
Turkish deputy PM confirms Erdogan to visit St. Petersburg on August 9 -- TASS

Russia And Turkey Agree To Mend Ties After Putin-Erdogan Phone Call

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Turkish President Recep Erdogan © Sputnik

RT: Putin & Erdogan may meet in person for first time since crisis over downed Russian jet

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayip Erdogan, discussed the possibility of meeting in person during a phone conversation, the Kremlin said. The meeting would be their first since Moscow-Ankara relations soured after the downing of a Russian jet over Syria.

“The Russian and Turkish presidents agreed to explore the possibility of having personal meeting…” the Kremlin said in a statement. The possibility of a face to face meeting taking place has also been confirmed by Erdogan’s press service.

Vladimir Putin said that the message he had received from Turkey’s President earlier created the conditions “to turn the crisis page in bilateral relations” between the two countries, the Kremlin said.

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More News On Russia And Turkey Agreeing To Mend Ties

Russia to start normalizing ties with Turkey — Putin -- TASS
Russian, Turkish leaders agree to close 'crisis chapter' in ties -- Reuters
Putin and Erdogan mend ties after Russia-Turkey jet incident -- BBC
Russia closes 'crisis chapter' with Turkey -- Al Jazeera
Erdogan's phone call with Putin 'very productive': Turkish presidential sources -- Reuters
Putin, Erdogan hold first phone conversation since Turkey downed Russian jet in Syria -- ABC News Online
Turkey will not compensate Russia over shooting down of jet -- AFP
Turkey, Russia foreign ministers to meet on sidelines of BSEC meeting on July 1, Ankara says -- Daily Sabah
Russia ready to lift Turkey tourism ban -- RT
Reasons and Prospects of Erdogan Extending Friendly Hand to Moscow -- Sputnik
Erdogan's Apology 'Indicates Depth of Turkey's Isolation' on Global Stage -- Sputnik
Analysts: Turkish president would like to mend relations with Moscow, save face -- TASS
If Turkey and Russia restore ties, it will be on Putin's terms -- Ben Rosen, CSM

Presidents Of Russia And Turkey Will Have A Phone Call Conversation This Wednesday To Restore Ties

TASS: Putin, Erdogan to hold phone conversation — Kremlin spokesman

The Kremlin spokesman says Erdogan’s apologies were important, but much is still to be done

MOSCOW, June 28. /TASS/. The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will hold a phone conversation on Wednesday at Russia’s initiative, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Tomorrow at the initiative of the Russian side a telephone conversation will take place between President Putin and President Erdogan," Peskov said.

The conversation will be held approximately in the middle of the day, he added.

Peskov did not answer the question if the Russian leader would send a letter to Erdogan in response.

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WNU Editor: This commentary on why Russia and Turkey are burying the hatchet is probably correct .... Here's Why Erdogan Is Burying the Hatchet With Putin (Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg). But expect no quick restoration of ties .... Kremlin dents Turkish hopes for quick restoration of ties (Reuters)

More News On Russian - Turkish Moves To Restore Ties

Putin to have phone conversation with Erdogan on Wednesday -- RT
Putin, Erdogan to Hold Phone Talk Wednesday -- Sputnik
Kremlin Says Putin To Phone Erdogan For First Talks Since Plane Downing -- RFE
Putin to call Erdoğan for first time since downing of Russian jet last year -- Daily Sabah
Presidential sources say Putin will make ‘thank you call’ to Erdoğan on June 29 -- Daily Sabah

Kremlin Spokesman: Turkish President Erdogan Has Apologised For Shooting Down Russian Warplane

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan © Christian Hartmann / Reuters

TASS: Erdogan offers apologies to Putin for downed Russian warplane — Kremlin

The Kremlin reports the Russian president has received a message from Turkey’s counterpart where he expressed his readiness to settle the situation over the downing of the Russian warplane

MOSCOW, June 27. /TASS/. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has finally offered his apologies to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of the pilot of the downed Russian plane, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.

According to the Kremlin, the message notes that Russia is Turkey’s friend and strategic partner the Turkish authorities don’t want to upset relations with. "We have never had a deliberate plan to shoot down a Russian plane,"
Erdogan reportedly said in his message.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has received a message from Turkey’s President Erdogan where the Turkish leader expressed his readiness to settle the situation over the downing of the Russian warplane," Peskov said.

Read more ....

More News On Russian reports That Turkish President Erdogan Has Apologised For Shooting Down Russian Warplane

Erdogan Sends Condolences to Putin Over Death of Russian Su-24 Pilot -- Sputnik
Erdogan apologizes to Putin over death of Russian pilot, calls Russia ‘friend & strategic partner’ -- RT
Turkey's Erdogan expresses regret over downing of Russian jet - spokesman -- Reuters
Erdoğan apologises for downing of Russian jet, Kremlin says -- AFP
Turkey 'sorry for downing Russian jet' -- BBC
Russia: Turkish president 'sorry' for shoot-down of Russian military jet -- FOX News
Kremlin Says Erdogan Apologized for Turkey Shooting Down Bomber -- Bloomberg
Turkish President Apologizes For Shooting Down Russian Warplane -- RFE
Erdogan 'sorry' for downing of Russian jet -- Al Jazeera

Apparently Russia - Turkish Relations Have Been Going Downhill For A Long Time

WNU Editor: Reader RRH sent me this link from a news report from August .... Russian president to Turkish ambassador: "tell your dictator President he can go to hell along with his ISIS terrorists, I will make Syria a 'Big Stalingrad' for him!" (AWD News). Moscow later denied that these remarks were made .... Moscow denies Putin called Erdogan 'dictator' (AA News) .... but considering what has happened since then, it is now easy to understand why Turkey had no problem in making the decision to shoot down a Russian military jet, and why Russia is responding by upping its military engagement in Syria. Bottom line .... the leaders of both countries have nothing but contempt for each other.

Turkey's President Warns Russia To Not 'Play With Fire'

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) met Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 23, 2015. In the wake of Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane this week, Erdogan is seeking another meeting, the Kremlin said Friday. (Ivan Sekretarev/Reuters)

Reuters: Turkey's Erdogan warns Russia not to 'play with fire'

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned Russia not to "play with fire" on Friday, but added he did not want to harm relations with Moscow, comments that look more likely to inflame than quell the dispute over a downed Russian bomber this week.

Relations between the former Cold War antagonists are at their worst in recent memory after Turkey shot down the jet near the Syrian border on Monday. Russia has threatened economic retaliation against Ankara, which Erdogan has dismissed as "emotional" and "unfitting".

"We very sincerely recommend to Russia not to play with fire," Erdogan told supporters during a speech in Bayburt, in northeast Turkey. "We really attach a lot of importance to our relations with Russia... We don't want these relations to suffer harm in any way."

Update: Turkey Warns Russia Not To 'Play With Fire' (SKY News)

WNU Editor: According to the Russian government, Turkish Presdient Erdogan requested to meet Russian president Putin hours after the plane was shot down .... Russia Claims Turkey's Erdogan Requested To Meet Vladimir Putin Hours After Downing Su-24 Jet (IBTimes). More here .... Turkey’s Erdogan seeks Paris meeting with Putin (CNBC).  No confirmation yet from Ankara, but we do know that Turkish President Erdogan did call Putin after the downing of the plane, but the call was ignored .... ‘Putin has not returned my call’, Turkey's Erdogan tells FRANCE 24 (France 24). My prediction .... after what happened Russia will ignore Turkey's overtures and focus more on its priorities in Syria while treating Turkey as a hostile power.

Update: This is not surprising .... Putin Rejects Overtures from Erdogan Over Downed Jet Fighter (WSJ).

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Downing Of A Russian Military Jet By Turkey

New York Times: Behind Russian Jet’s Downing, Building Tensions and Frustrations for Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey — As Turkey and Russia promised on Wednesday not to go to war over the downing of a Russian fighter jet, Turkey’s still-nervous NATO allies and just about everyone else were left wondering why, when minor violations of airspace are relatively common and usually tolerated, Ankara decided this time to risk a serious confrontation with Moscow by taking military action.

The reply from the Turkish government so far has been consistent: Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Turkey had repeatedly called in Russia’s ambassador to complain about bombing raids near its border and previous airspace incursions by Russian aircraft. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday evening — and a Pentagon spokesman later confirmed — that Turkish forces had warned the Russian plane 10 times in five minutes to leave before a Turkish F-16 shot it down.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials On The Downing Of A Russian Military Jet By Turkey

5 things you need to know about Russian jet shot down by Turkey -- Matthew Chance and Michael Martinez, CNN
Turkey's downing of Russian warplane - what we know -- BBC
The Guardian view on the downed Russian jet: stay cool, Ankara and Moscow -- Guardian editorial
Syria war pulls Russia and Turkey into a risky confrontation -- Carol J. Williams and Jeremiah Bailey-Hoover, L.A. Times
The most serious tension between Turkey and Russia -- Murat Yetkin, Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey’s downing of a Russian jet was a confrontation waiting to happen -- The Economist
Downing of Russian jet part of Turkey's 'strange game' in Syria -- Andre Mayer, CBC News
Downing of Russian jet over Turkey inevitable — and may happen again -- Michael Pizzi, Al Jazeera
Putin is Accusing Turkey of Being an ISIS Ally—and He’s At Least Partly Right -- Steve levine, Defense One/Quartz
Why Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in Syria, according to an expert -- Jennifer Williams, VOX
Why Would Turkey Shoot Down A Russian Plane? -- NPR
Erdoğan shoots down Putin: Turkey’s dangerous brinkmanship with Russia. -- Melik Kaylan, Politico
After Turkey's 'stab in the back' to Russia, will anyone support Ankara? -- Semih Idiz, Al Monitor
Ankara's oil business with ISIS -- RT
Will Putin Use Energy Weapon Against Turkey? -- Johnson, Foreign Policy
Turkey shot down a Russian warplane. Why it would happen and why it matters, explained. -- Max Fisher, VOX
Will the downing of a Russian fighter jet wreck Syria peace hopes? -- Mary Dejevsky, The Guardian
Turkey shoots Russian plane: what now for global relations? -- The Week
The shooting down of a Russian jet tangles the diplomatic web still further -- Yavuz Baydar, The Guardian
Turkey Takes Down a Russian Warplane -- Marina Koren, The Atlantic
Moscow and Ankara face historic crisis -- DW
Downed in 17 seconds? Where Turkey’s story of Su-24 violating airspace just doesn’t add up -- RT
'17 Seconds': No One’s Buying Turkey’s Version of Su-24 Story -- Sputnik
Few will believe Russia’s ‘proof’ that its jet was in Syrian airspace -- Keir Giles, The Guardian
NATO survived Cold War, but downed Russian fighter provides biggest threat -- Nic Robertson, CNN
Preventing World War Three in Syria between Turkey and Russia -- Joshua W. Walker, Reuters

NATO Adopts The Cautious Approach To The Russian - Turkey Crisis But What Happens If Events Go Out Of Control?

Paul Roderick Gregory, Forbes: If Turkey And Russia Continue Fighting, It May Threaten NATO's Existence

We all knew it would happen, whether off the coast of Alaska, over the Baltic Sea, or in the Middle East. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been routinely challenging the NATO airspace for months, well before entering the Syrian conflict. Military experts warned that Russian aircraft flying in crowded airspace with transponders off is a recipe for disaster.

That disaster has occurred, only not in the form of the anticipated accident. Rather the Kremlin misjudged Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who responded to Russia’s provocations by shooting down a Russian fighter plane over its territory, after warning the Russian fighter to leave its air space 10 times. An enraged Putin responded with threats and accused Turkey of being “an accomplice to terror” and “stabbing him in the back.” Turkey has vigorously defended its actions, declaring that it gave ample warning to the Russian jet to leave its air space. Russia’s controlled media released a withering barrage accusing Turkey of being the main sponsor of ISIS and Islamic terrorism.

WNU Editor: NATO is not going to back Turkey if things get out of hand. The response from NATO ambassadors on Tuesday is very telling (from Reuters) ....

.... NATO ambassadors called on Ankara to show "cool-headedness" on Tuesday following an emergency meeting in Brussels, after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border, diplomats said.

Diplomats present at the meeting told Reuters that while none of the 28 NATO envoys defended Russia's actions, many expressed concern that Turkey did not escort the Russian warplane out of its airspace.

Not exactly what I would call a vote of confidence in Turkey.

Interestingly .... in many of the commentaries and opinions that I am now reading .... many pundits (both right and left) are adopting a very hostile view towards Turkey. Case in point .... Turkey Brings NATO to the Precipice of War With Russia (James Carden, The Nation) .... and .... Will reckless Turkey draw NATO into war with Russia? (L. Todd Wood, Washington Times) .... and .... NATO Should Tell Turkey: ‘This Thanksgiving, You’re Dumped’ (Raheem Kassam, Breitbart). When Breitbart and The Nation see eye-to-eye on an issue .... that is something that everyone should take notice.

More News On NATO's Response To Tuesday's Incident Of Turkey Shooting Down A Russian Military Jet

NATO head urges 'calm, de-escalation' after Russian plane downed -- AFP
NATO urges calm after Turkey shoots down Russian plane -- CBS
NATO Expresses Solidarity With Turkey After Russian Jet Shooting -- WSJ
NATO Backs Turkey But Seeks to Lower Tensions With Russia -- VOA
Security leaders: NATO, Russia need to talk -- Politico
Nato and UN seek calm over Turkish downing of Russian jet -- The Guardian
NATO faces new Mideast crisis after downing of Russian jet by Turkey -- Washington Post

Update: Russia is not impressed with NATO's response .... Russian envoy: Ankara forced NATO to excuse the downing of Russian Su-24 (TASS)

Putin Is Livid At Turkey

Vladimir Putin has warned Turkey that they will face 'serious consequences' Reuters

Reuters: Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border, Putin warns of "serious consequences"

Turkey shot down a Russian warplane near the Syrian border on Tuesday, saying the jet had repeatedly violated its air space, in one of the most serious publicly acknowledged clashes between a NATO member country and Russia for half a century.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the plane had been attacked when it was 1 km (0.62 mile) inside Syria and warned of "serious consequences" for what he termed a stab in the back administered by "the accomplices of terrorists".

"We will never tolerate such crimes like the one committed today," Putin said, as Russian and Turkish shares fell on fears of an escalation between the former Cold War enemies.

WNU Editor: It is not hard to figure out how Russian President Putin feels about this incident. He is someone who understands that much of the world is ruled by the use of force .... and being someone who has exercised it himself more than once over the past few years .... will himself respond in the same manner. My prediction .... I was told a few years ago that when Russian Presdient Putin is faced with a difficult choice or decision .... he will sleep on it for a few days, and then implement his decision. He is probably going to do the same thing here .... make a decision or take the time to make one .... and then implement it a few days later. What that decision may be in this case .... I do not know .... but Turkey is going to be facing some retaliation in the near future.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Has Cancelled His Visit To Turkey

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov © © Leonhard Foeger / Reuters

RT: Lavrov cancels Turkey visit over downing of Russian military jet

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has canceled his visit to Istanbul, due on Wednesday, after a Russian Su-24 jet was downed over Syria by a Turkish F-16 fighter.

“A decision has been made to cancel the meeting at the level of Russian and Turkish foreign ministers, which was planned to be held tomorrow in Istanbul,” Lavrov told reporters.

The minister also pointed out the increasing level of the terror threat in Turkey, which is “not lower than in Egypt.” Lavrov said the ministry recommends Russians to refrain from visiting Turkey.

Update: Russia's Lavrov cancels Turkey trip after jet downing (Reuters)

WNU Editor: Diplomacy and getting involved in talks is the last thing on the minds of the Russian government right now. Russian officials are now also warning Russian citizens to leave Turkey, or to not go there if they have made plans.

Turkey Had Warned Russia Hours Before Shooting Down Its Jet To Not Support A Syrian Government Offensive On A Turkmen Village Near The Turkish Border

Clashes between Turkmens and forces loyal to the Syrian regime are continuing in the country’s northern Bayırbucak region, across from Turkey’s Yayladağı district. Photo taken from Turkmen social media accounts. DHA Photo

The Guardian: Turkey caught between aiding Turkmen and economic dependence on Russia

Ankara has long history of tension with Moscow, but will not want shooting down of Russian Su-24 warplane to escalate into a wider confrontation

The shooting down by Turkish forces of a Russian Su-24 warplane follows rising tension between the two countries over a continuing Russian bombing campaign against ethnic Turkmen villages in north-western Syria, close to Turkey’s border.

It also marks the first direct clash between a Nato member country and Russia’s armed forces since President Vladimir Putin launched his unilateral military intervention in Syria last month.

Nato had already warned Russia over previous border infractions, and the US took “deconfliction” steps to minimise the risk of accidental conflict.

WNU Editor: Hours before today's shooting down a Russian military jet, Turkey had warned both Russia and Syria to stop their military advance against Turkmen rebels near the Syrian-Turkish border. Coincidence? There are no coincidences in this conflict.

More News On How The Syrian Offensive Against A Turkmen region IN Syria Prompted Turkey To Respond To Shooting Down A Russian Jet

Turkey warns Russia over border security -- Hurriyet news
Syrian Rebels, Turkmen Brigades Claim To Have Russian Pilots Ejected From Jet Downed By Turkey -- IBTimes
Turkish Prime Minister Accuses Russian Federation of Striking Syrian Turkmen Settlement -- Financial Spots
Turkmens clash with Russia-backed al-Assad forces in northwest Syria -- Hurriyet News
Syrian regime forces take over strategic Turkmen area -- Turkish Weekly
Russia, Assad regime continue pounding Turkmen Mountain -- AA
Syrian regime forces take over strategic Turkmen area -- Fulton
Turkey to UN: Protect Turkmen civilians in Syria -- Al Bawaba
Some 1,500 Turkmen flee Syrian war for Turkey: governor -- AFP
Who are the Turkmen? -- The Telegraph

Syrian Rebels Gloat And Chant 'Allahu Akbar' Over The Body Of Dead Russian Pilot After Turkey Shoots Down Russian Jet. Second Pilot Feared Captured

Daily Mail: Turkey shoots down Russian jet after violating its air space: One pilot is feared captured in Syria as footage emerges of rebel group chanting 'Allahu Akbar' over the corpse of his co-pilot

* Turkish army has shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 war plane near its Syrian border, officials confirm
* The Russian jet had violated Turkish air space and ignored ten warnings in five minutes, army says
* Russia claims the jet, which crashed in Syria's Turkomen Mountains, had been in Syrian airspace when it was hit
* In response, Turkish army released flight tracking data showing where the jet violated its airspace
* One pilot dead, the other reportedly captured by Turkmen - ethnic Turks subjected to Russian airstrikes this week

Turkey's military have today shot down a Russian war plane near its border with Syria after the jet violated Turkish air space.

The Russian Sukhoi Su-24 jet was shot down by Turkish F-16 fighter planes after ignoring nearly a dozen warnings, Turkish army officials said.

However, Russia's Ministry of Defence claims the jet was in Syrian airspace, and was shot down from the ground.

Footage reportedly filmed by rebels in Syria's Turkomen Mountains, an area which has been the cause of recent tensions between Turkey and Russia, shows local fighters cheer as they discover the body of one of the Russian pilots.

Live Updates On The Downing Of A Russian Military Jet By Turkey

Russia warplane shot down in Syria: Live -- BBC
The Latest: Putin Blasts Turkey for Downing Russian Warplane -- AP
Russian warplane shot down at Syria-Turkey border LIVE UPDATES -- RT
Putin calls Turkey 'accomplices of terrorists' after Russian jet shot down - live updates -- The Guardian
Turkey shoots down Russian warplane on Syria border: Vladimir Putin warns of 'serious consequences' - latest -- The Telegraph
Russian jet shot down live: Fate of pilots unknown after plane downed by Turkey - latest updates -- The Independent
Russian Su-24 Plane Live Updates: Turkey Destroys Jet, Syrian Rebels Fire At Pilots (Update) -- IBTimes

More News On The Downing Of A Russian Military Jet By Turkey

Video allegedly shows dead Russian pilot surrounded by armed rebels in Syria (GRAPHIC) -- RT
Turkey shoots down Russian war plane on Syria border -- AFP
Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border, Moscow denies airspace violation -- Reuters
Turkey downs Russian military aircraft near Syria’s border -- Washington Post
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Warplane Near Syria Border -- NYT
Turkey shoots down Russian warplane on Syria border -- BBC
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Jet Fighter -- WSJ
Russian Fighter Jet Shot Down at Turkey-Syria Border -- VOA
Russian pilot 'killed' and another feared to be in rebel hands after plane is downed over Syria by Turkey -- The Independent
Turkey downs Russian warplane near Syria border -- The Guardian
Turkish military shoots down Russian fighter jet over Syria -- CBS
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Warplane Near Border With Syria -- NBC
Russian warplane downed; Turkey says aircraft violated airspace near border -- CNN
Turkey shoots down Russian fighter plane near Syria border -- CSM
Turkey Says It Shot Down A Russian Warplane Near Border With Syria -- NPR
Turkey shoots down Russian jet: 'Dead Russian pilot' depicted in Syria rebels' video -- IBTimes
Turkey Shoots Down Russian Warplane Near Syrian Border -- Reuters and VICE News
Turkey Summons Russian Ambassador Over Downed Su-24 -- Sputnik

Breaking News!!!! Reports Are Coming In That Turkey Has Shot Down A Russian Jet

It has been claimed by eyewitnesses that there was a large explosion in Huraytan, northern Syria, not far from the Turkish border, while three fighter planes were seen overhead

Daily Mail: Russian jet 'shot down by Turkish forces after planes violated country's airspace on Syrian bombing run'

  * Unconfirmed reports claim a Russian jet was shot down by Turkish forces
  * Eyewitnesses on social media said they saw an explosion in northern Syria
  * It was alleged that Russian fighter planes had violated Turkey's airspace
  * Nato has previously warned of the 'extreme danger' of such incursions

Turkish forces are said to have shot down a Russian jet after it flew into the country's airspace, according to unconfirmed reports on social media.

It has been claimed by eyewitnesses that there was a large explosion in Huraytan, northern Syria, while three fighter planes were seen overhead.

Rumours of a jet being shot out of the sky come amid heightening tensions between Russian president Vladimir Putin and the West.

WNU Editor: Regular reader and commentator James brought to our attention yesterday that a Russian jet had been shot down by Turkey. There was nothing on the wire services about a Russian jet being shot down, but I do have a very reliable source in Russia who always tells me if a story pertaining to the Russian military is true or not. I sent him an email and text-message late Friday night for his feedback. He has yet to respond (which is very telling because he always responds). It was only this evening while reading my email and the comments from the readers of this blog that I then realized that the probable reason why he did not respond was because the rumours of a Russian jet being shot down are true .... and he could not tell me because it was/is still classified and not for public release (an information black-out that was probably ordered from the Russian President's office itself). As of this moment I do not know if this story is true or not .... but I can say unequivocally that the Russian government is not denying it .... and that tells me a lot.

More News On Reports That Turkey Has Shot Down A Russian Jet

Russian jet SHOT DOWN by Turkey after it flew into their airspace, according to reports -- Express
Russian jet 'shot down by Turkish military after it violated its airspace' -- Mirror
Russian jet 'shot down' by Turkish forces after entering Turkish air space -- IBTimes
Unconfirmed Reports: Russian Aircraft Shot Down After It Violated Turkish Airspace -- FOX Trot Alpha
Reports: Russian jets shot down in Turkey -- Washington Examiner

Turkey Threatens To Shoot Down Russian Planes Entering their Air Space

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, September 23, 2015. REUTERS/IVAN SEKRETAREV/POOL

Thomas Seibert, Daily Beast: Turkey Threatens to Shoot Down Russian Planes that Stray from Syria

The air over the Syrian-Turkish border is getting crowded with warplanes, and tensions are growing.

ISTANBUL — As Russian warplanes fly over Syria, neighboring NATO member Turkey says its fighter jets could open fire on them if they stray into Turkish airspace. The threat is serious and highlights the danger of a direct military confrontation between Russia and its old Cold War adversaries, including not just Turkey but the United States.

Tensions between Ankara and Moscow over Russia’s stepped-up military involvement in the Syrian war escalated sharply on Monday when Turkey revealed two of its F-16 fighters intercepted a Russian jet that had crossed into Turkish airspace over the town of Yayladagi in the border province Hatay.

The two countries are rivals in the Syrian conflict, with Turkey calling for an end to the rule of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and Russia presenting itself as Assad’s most important ally.

WNU Editor: Shooting down a Russian plane will open a "Pandora's Box" of retaliation. What is also troubling is that Bloomberg is reporting that it was the Russian MIGs that locked onto the Turkish fighters, and not the other way around. U.S. officials believe that this territorial violation was done on purpose .... Russia invading Turkish airspace no "accident": U.S. official (CBS/AP).

More News On Turkey Intercepting A Russian Fighter Jet That Violated Its Air Space

Turkey Puts Russia on Notice -- AP
Turkish defense radar locked on Russian fighter as it bombed Syrian town -- McClatchy News
Syria conflict: Turkish jets intercept Russian plane -- BBC
Turkey 'intercepts' Russian jet violating its air space -- AFP
Turkey seeks EU backing for Syria no-fly, buffer zones -- Washington Post/AP
Turkey warns Russia over air space violations from Syria -- AFP
Russia says violation of Turkish airspace was ‘navigation error’ -- Hurriyet Daily News
Russia says Turkish airspace violation 'a mistake,' Turkish media report -- CNN
Turkey says ‘no tension’ after Russian airspace violation mistake, NATO cries foul -- RT

Update: John Kerry is now issuing the same warning .... Russian jet over Turkey risked being shot down: Kerry (AFP)

Turkish Jets Intercept Russia Warplane In Its Air Space

A Turkish F-16 jet takes off from Incirlik base in the southern city of Adana, on July 27. Turkey said Monday a Russian jet fighter violated its airspace with Syria over the weekend. PHOTO: REUTERS

CNN: Turkey intercepts Russian jet in its air space

(CNN)Turkey said it intercepted a Russian jet that violated its air space over the weekend.

The country called in the Russian ambassador and lodged a strong condemnation of the violation, Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement Monday.

"The Russian Federation will be responsible for any undesired incident that may occur," the ministry warned.

The incident occurred Saturday in the Yayladagi region of Turkey's southern Hatay province.

"The Russian aircraft exited Turkish airspace into Syria after it was intercepted by two F-16s from the Turkish Air Force, which were conducting patrols in the region."

Turkey and Russia are at odds regarding the bloody civil war raging in Syria.

More News On Turkey Intercepting A Russian Jet In Its Air Space

Turkey Says Russian Warplane Violated Its Airspace -- NYT/AP
Turkey says Russian warplane violated its airspace -- Reuters
Turkey accuses Russia of invading airspace, scrambles F-16s -- CBS
Turkey F-16s Intercept Russia Warplane After Airspace Violation -- NBC
Turkey Says Russian Fighter Jet Violated Its Airspace With Syria -- WSJ
Russia Vows Not to Violate Turkish Airspace in Future -- Sputnik

Turkey Condemns Russia's Military Involvement In Syria

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan meets with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow on Sept. 23. (Photo: Cihan)

AFP: Russia making 'grave mistake' in Syria: Turkey's Erdogan

Istanbul (AFP) - Russia's bombing campaign in Syria is a "grave mistake" and its support for the regime will be judged by history, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned on Sunday.

"The steps Russia is taking and the bombing campaign in Syria are quite unacceptable to Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at Istanbul airport before leaving for a visit to France.

"(...) Unfortunately, Russia is making a grave mistake," he said.

Given Moscow's friendly relations with Turkey, its actions in Syria are "worrying and disturbing," Erdogan said.

The strikes will "isolate Russia in the region," he predicted.

WNU Editor: It is not only Russia supporting Syrian President Assad, it also involves Russia supporting the Kurds. The Turks were able to influence Washington to not supply weapons to the Kurds to fight the Islamic State .... but Russia has made it very clear that they do not feel obligated to listen to Turkish President Erdogan .... Russia Sending Arms To The Kurds Battling The Islamic State .... and that is what is unnerving Erdogan's government. Turkey's political support over the years for various Islamic radical groups in the Caucasus has also damaged its credibility with Moscow .... and I am sure that this is going to be brought up when Erdogan meets Putin in the future.

More News On Turkey Condemning Russia's Military Involvement In Syria

Turkey's Erdogan calls Russian airstrikes in Syria 'unacceptable' -- AP
Erdogan: Russia making ‘grave mistake’ in Syria -- AFP
Erdoğan questions Russian motives in Syria, says will ask Putin to reconsider air strikes -- Sunday's Zaman
Erdogan criticizes Russia for strikes on moderate opposition in Syria -- Al Bawaba
Turkish President Erdoğan Warns Russia Over Syria -- Bas news
Russia is making a grave mistake in Syria, says Turkish President Erdoğan -- Daily Sabah
Turkey's Erdogan Wondering about Russian Action in Syria -- Novinite
Erdogan: Russia made a 'serious mistake' in Syria -- Middle East Monitor
Erdogan Intends to Discuss Russian Military Operation in Syria With Putin -- Sputnik
As Russia raises the stakes in Syria, what role can Turkey now play? -- Al Arabiya

Syrian Bound Plane From Moscow Forced To Land In Turkey

Russian Anger At Turkey Over Syria Plane Interception -- BBC

Moscow has accused Turkey of putting the lives of Russian passengers in danger by using its military to force a Syria-bound plane to land in Ankara.

The Syrian Air plane, from Moscow, was intercepted and searched on Wednesday on suspicion it was carrying weapons.

Officials in both Russia and Syria have strongly denied the allegations, with Damascus accusing Turkey of "piracy" and violating international law.

The incident has increased already high tensions between Turkey and Syria.

Read more ....

More News On Turkey Intercepting A Syrian Bound Flight From Russia

Russia drawn into Turkey-Syria plane row – live updates -- The Guardian
Rift with Moscow Deepens After Turkey Forces Syrian Jet to Land -- New York Times
Russia accuses Turkey of endangering lives by grounding Syrian passenger plane -- The Independent
Syria Protests Turkey’s ‘Hostile’ Plane Interception -- Voice of America
Syria says plane from Russia carried legal cargo -- Reuters
Turkey TV says Syria-bound plane carried military equipment as Syria condemns "piracy" -- CBS/AP
Turkey dismisses claims it endangered passengers on Syrian plane -- The Telegraph
Turkish media: Syria-bound jet had military communications gear -- L.A. Times
Syrian plane had illegal cargo, says Turkey's Davutoglu -- BBC
Turkey defends intercepting Syrian plane -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
Turkey Says Pilot of Syrian Airplane Ignored Its Warning -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Report: Syrian Plane Carried Military Comms Gear -- Time/AP
Turkish report: Cargo aboard seized Syria-bound plane included missile parts from Russia -- McClatchy News
Turkey at odds with Moscow after grounding Russia-Syria flight -- Christian Science Monitor

My Comment: The plane's flight plan had it going to the Syrian city of Aleppo. If that is the case, why are 17 Russians with communications cargo going into the middle of what is essentially a war-zone?