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| Putin calls Turkey 'accomplices of terrorists' after Russian jet shot down - live updates | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 1.24pm GMT13:24 | |
| Summary | |
| Here’s a summary of where things currently stand amid conflicting versions of exactly what happened and terse verbal exchanges between Russia and Turkey. | |
| 1.12pm GMT13:12 | |
| Shaun Walker | |
| Putin added this provocative comment at the end of his statement. | |
| Do they want to make Nato serve ISIS? I understand that every state has its own regional interests and we’ve always respected that, but we will never allow the kind of crime that happened to today to take place. And of course we hope that the international community will find the strength to come together and fight against the common evil. | |
| 1.02pm GMT13:02 | |
| Putin warns of 'significant consequences' | |
| Shaun Walker | |
| Putin warns Turkey of “significant consequences”. | |
| Speaking ahead of his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Sochi, the Russian leader said: | |
| This event is beyond the normal framework of fighting against terrorism. Of course our military is doing heroic work against terrorism... But the loss today is a stab in the back, carried out by the accomplices of terrorists. I can’t describe it in any other way. Our aircraft was downed over the territory of Syria, using air-to-air missile from a Turkish F-16. It fell on the Syrian territory 4km from Turkey. | |
| Neither our pilots nor our jet threatened the territory of Turkey. This is obvious. They are fighting terrorists in the northern areas around Latakia, where militants are located, mainly people who originated in Russia, and they were pursuing their direct duty, to make sure these people do not return to Russia. These are people who are clearly international terrorists. | |
| Taking into account that we signed an agreement on deconflicting with the US, and as we know Turkey was among the ones that has joined the US coalition. Since Isis has such huge resources of hundreds of millions and billions of dollars coming from illicit oil sales, and they are protected by the armed forces of other states, then it’s clear why they are so brazen, why they are killing people, why they are carrying out terrorist attacks throughout the world including in the heart of Europe. | |
| We will analyse everything, and today’s tragic event will have significant consequences, including for Russia-Turkish relations. We have always treated Turkey as a friendly state. I don’t know who was interested in what happened today, certainly not us. And instead of immediately getting in contact with us, as far as we know, the Turkish side immediately turned to their partners from Nato to discuss this incident, as if we shot down their plane and not they ours. | |
| Updated at 1.08pm GMT | |
| 12.58pm GMT12:58 | |
| Turkey prime minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, speaking at the same time as Putin, insisted it Turkey had a right to respond to violations of its airspace. | |
| 12.55pm GMT12:55 | |
| Putin describes incident as a 'stab in the back' | |
| Vladimir Putin said the loss of the jet “is a stab in the back, carried out by the accomplices of terrorists”. In his first comments on the incident he said: “I can’t describe it in any other way.” | |
| The Russian President said the jet was downed 4km inside Syria. He claimed the pilots were not a threat. | |
| He claimed that large amount of oil from militants in Syria end up in Syria. | |
| 12.50pm GMT12:50 | |
| 'Both pilots killed' | |
| There are unconfirmed reports that both pilots were killed after parachuting from the Russian jet. | |
| Charles Lister, analyst from BrookingsDoha, said both pilots were killed citing an anti-Assad rebel source. | |
| Rebel FSA source: The 2nd pilot of #Russia’s Su-24 is also dead. #Syria #Turkey | |
| 12.44pm GMT12:44 | 12.44pm GMT12:44 |
| Turkey has summoned Russia’s envoy in Ankara over the incident, AFP reports. | Turkey has summoned Russia’s envoy in Ankara over the incident, AFP reports. |
| #BREAKING Turkey summons Russian envoy over downed warplane on Syrian border: official | #BREAKING Turkey summons Russian envoy over downed warplane on Syrian border: official |
| Ankara summed the Russia’s ambassador last week after Moscow’s warplanes bombed Syrian territory “very close” to the Turkish border. | Ankara summed the Russia’s ambassador last week after Moscow’s warplanes bombed Syrian territory “very close” to the Turkish border. |
| 12.34pm GMT12:34 | 12.34pm GMT12:34 |
| Helena Smith | Helena Smith |
| The downing of the Russian jet has sparked grave concerns in Greece, Turkey’s neighbour and for years its Nato rival, reports Helena Smith in Athens. | The downing of the Russian jet has sparked grave concerns in Greece, Turkey’s neighbour and for years its Nato rival, reports Helena Smith in Athens. |
| Diplomats are expressing thinly disguised alarm. In a country, which frequently complains of Turkish fighter jets both violating and buzzing Greek airspace over the Aegean, the shooting of the SU-24 is being described by diplomats in private “as an extremely serious incident” that has prompted “high concern.” | Diplomats are expressing thinly disguised alarm. In a country, which frequently complains of Turkish fighter jets both violating and buzzing Greek airspace over the Aegean, the shooting of the SU-24 is being described by diplomats in private “as an extremely serious incident” that has prompted “high concern.” |
| “This is the first time since the beginning of the cold war that a member of Nato destroys a Russian military aircraft,” said one. “It is an extremely serious incident. There is high concern [in Athens].” | “This is the first time since the beginning of the cold war that a member of Nato destroys a Russian military aircraft,” said one. “It is an extremely serious incident. There is high concern [in Athens].” |
| Updated at 12.39pm GMT | Updated at 12.39pm GMT |
| 12.12pm GMT12:12 | 12.12pm GMT12:12 |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| Ankara had made it very clear to Russia it was unhappy with Russian military activities close to its border, and even summoned the Russian ambassador and military attaché last Friday to make a complaint, Turkey’s Hurriyet reported this morning writes Shaun Walker. | Ankara had made it very clear to Russia it was unhappy with Russian military activities close to its border, and even summoned the Russian ambassador and military attaché last Friday to make a complaint, Turkey’s Hurriyet reported this morning writes Shaun Walker. |
| The newspaper said the Turks warned the Russian ambassador they would retaliate and take necessary measures if their border security was threatened by operations against Turkmen Syrians close to the border. Turkish officials told the diplomats that Turkmen civilians were suffering as a result of Russian operations, and said the proximity to the Turkish border meant there was a possibility of a violation of Turkey’s border security. | The newspaper said the Turks warned the Russian ambassador they would retaliate and take necessary measures if their border security was threatened by operations against Turkmen Syrians close to the border. Turkish officials told the diplomats that Turkmen civilians were suffering as a result of Russian operations, and said the proximity to the Turkish border meant there was a possibility of a violation of Turkey’s border security. |
| “It should be noted Turkey’s rules of engagement were in place and there will be no hesitation to implement them if such a violation occurs,” the Russians were told, Hurriyet claimed. | “It should be noted Turkey’s rules of engagement were in place and there will be no hesitation to implement them if such a violation occurs,” the Russians were told, Hurriyet claimed. |
| 12.08pm GMT12:08 | 12.08pm GMT12:08 |
| Nato confirms meeting | Nato confirms meeting |
| Nato has confirmed it will hold an extraordinary council meeting on Turkey’s request. Here’s its statement: | Nato has confirmed it will hold an extraordinary council meeting on Turkey’s request. Here’s its statement: |
| At the request of Turkey, the North Atlantic Council will hold an extraordinary meeting at 17.00 (Brussels time). The aim of this extraordinary NAC meeting is for Turkey to inform allies about the downing of a Russian airplane. Nato is monitoring the situation closely. We are in close contact with Turkish authorities. | At the request of Turkey, the North Atlantic Council will hold an extraordinary meeting at 17.00 (Brussels time). The aim of this extraordinary NAC meeting is for Turkey to inform allies about the downing of a Russian airplane. Nato is monitoring the situation closely. We are in close contact with Turkish authorities. |
| It pointed out that the meeting would not fall under the article 4 of the Washington treaty under which Nato member discuss a threat to territorial integrity, political indendence or security. A spokesaman said: “The fact that this is not an Article 4 meeting but purely one for information, suggests that Turkey and Nato want to make sure this does not escalate out of control.” | It pointed out that the meeting would not fall under the article 4 of the Washington treaty under which Nato member discuss a threat to territorial integrity, political indendence or security. A spokesaman said: “The fact that this is not an Article 4 meeting but purely one for information, suggests that Turkey and Nato want to make sure this does not escalate out of control.” |
| #NATO Ambassadors will gather to discuss the downing of the #Russian jet today, no Article 4 invoked | #NATO Ambassadors will gather to discuss the downing of the #Russian jet today, no Article 4 invoked |
| Updated at 12.10pm GMT | Updated at 12.10pm GMT |
| 12.03pm GMT12:03 | 12.03pm GMT12:03 |
| Constanze Letsch | Constanze Letsch |
| Nihat Ali Özcan, security expert at the Ankara-based Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey, fears a harsh response from Russia. | Nihat Ali Özcan, security expert at the Ankara-based Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey, fears a harsh response from Russia. |
| “It is very bad news for Turkey that a Russian jet was shot down. Putin will not leave this unanswered, he might retaliate in different ways, for example by cutting off Turkey’s natural gas supply from Russia over the winter. He might also choose to reply in kind, in a similarly aggressive manner in Syria. But one thing is certain: Putin will not stand for this, we have difficult days ahead of us.” | “It is very bad news for Turkey that a Russian jet was shot down. Putin will not leave this unanswered, he might retaliate in different ways, for example by cutting off Turkey’s natural gas supply from Russia over the winter. He might also choose to reply in kind, in a similarly aggressive manner in Syria. But one thing is certain: Putin will not stand for this, we have difficult days ahead of us.” |
| 11.58am GMT11:58 | 11.58am GMT11:58 |
| A spokesman for the Syrian rebel group which claimed to have captured a Russian pilot whose plane was shot down over northwestern Syria says he was dead upon landing, AP reports. | A spokesman for the Syrian rebel group which claimed to have captured a Russian pilot whose plane was shot down over northwestern Syria says he was dead upon landing, AP reports. |
| Jahed Ahmad of the 10th Brigade in the Coast said that the two Russian crew members tried to land in their parachutes in government-held areas after they ejected, but came under fire from members of his group. | Jahed Ahmad of the 10th Brigade in the Coast said that the two Russian crew members tried to land in their parachutes in government-held areas after they ejected, but came under fire from members of his group. |
| He adds that rebels shot one of the pilots, who landed dead on the ground on Tuesday. | He adds that rebels shot one of the pilots, who landed dead on the ground on Tuesday. |
| The fate of the second pilot was not immediately known. | The fate of the second pilot was not immediately known. |
| The group released a video showing gunmen standing around a blond pilot whose face was bruised and appeared dead. | The group released a video showing gunmen standing around a blond pilot whose face was bruised and appeared dead. |
| 11.55am GMT11:55 | 11.55am GMT11:55 |
| Reza Afshar, a former Foreign Office official in charge of Britain’s policy on Syria, predicts that Russia will do “very little” in response. | Reza Afshar, a former Foreign Office official in charge of Britain’s policy on Syria, predicts that Russia will do “very little” in response. |
| #Turkey shoots down #Russia plane. Guess what Russia will do. Very little. Fears about confronting Russia have always been overblown. #Syria | #Turkey shoots down #Russia plane. Guess what Russia will do. Very little. Fears about confronting Russia have always been overblown. #Syria |
| Former Lebanese minister, Walid Joumblatt, urges Russia not to get dragged into to the conflict in Syria. | Former Lebanese minister, Walid Joumblatt, urges Russia not to get dragged into to the conflict in Syria. |
| I would advice the Russians to be careful so not to be dragged into another Afghanistan | I would advice the Russians to be careful so not to be dragged into another Afghanistan |
| 11.44am GMT11:44 | 11.44am GMT11:44 |
| Today’s shooting down of a Russian jet follows a series of near misses between Nato and Russia since 2014, writes Luke Harding. | Today’s shooting down of a Russian jet follows a series of near misses between Nato and Russia since 2014, writes Luke Harding. |
| In the wake of the war in Ukraine, Russian military aircraft have been regularly buzzing Western military and civilian flights, over the North Sea, the Baltic states and the English channel. There have been similar incidents involving long-range Russian bombers over the Pacific coast of the US and Canada. | In the wake of the war in Ukraine, Russian military aircraft have been regularly buzzing Western military and civilian flights, over the North Sea, the Baltic states and the English channel. There have been similar incidents involving long-range Russian bombers over the Pacific coast of the US and Canada. |
| In a March 2015 report the European Leadership Network detailed nearly 70 ‘encounters’ in which Russian military aircraft have come close to Nato armed forces or civilian aircraft. It classified three incidents as ‘high risk’, and 13 as ‘serious’. | In a March 2015 report the European Leadership Network detailed nearly 70 ‘encounters’ in which Russian military aircraft have come close to Nato armed forces or civilian aircraft. It classified three incidents as ‘high risk’, and 13 as ‘serious’. |
| In December 2014 a Russian aircraft flying with its transponders turned off nearly collided with a SAS airliner near Copenhagen. The second took place in March 2015 when Russian fighter bombers used Nato warships deployed in the Black sea ‘as targets in high intensity training exercises.’ | In December 2014 a Russian aircraft flying with its transponders turned off nearly collided with a SAS airliner near Copenhagen. The second took place in March 2015 when Russian fighter bombers used Nato warships deployed in the Black sea ‘as targets in high intensity training exercises.’ |
| The report says: “The incidents show the confrontation potential of close Russia-Nato military encounters... There are not sufficient dialogue mechanisms in place to manage the fall-out from the possible shoot down of a Russian aircraft.” | The report says: “The incidents show the confrontation potential of close Russia-Nato military encounters... There are not sufficient dialogue mechanisms in place to manage the fall-out from the possible shoot down of a Russian aircraft.” |
| Nato says it conducted over 400 interceptions of Russian warplanes in 2014, 150 of them over the Baltics. The figure is four times higher than in 2013. | Nato says it conducted over 400 interceptions of Russian warplanes in 2014, 150 of them over the Baltics. The figure is four times higher than in 2013. |
| 11.39am GMT11:39 | 11.39am GMT11:39 |
| Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
| The British-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russian helicopters are combing the area where the jet came down in search for the pilots, writes Kareem Shaheen. | The British-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Russian helicopters are combing the area where the jet came down in search for the pilots, writes Kareem Shaheen. |
| The jet was shot down near Jabal al-Turkman in northern Latakia, it said. Russia’s military has blocked wireless communications in the area while they search for the pilots, the Observatory claimed. | The jet was shot down near Jabal al-Turkman in northern Latakia, it said. Russia’s military has blocked wireless communications in the area while they search for the pilots, the Observatory claimed. |
| 11.35am GMT11:35 | 11.35am GMT11:35 |
| Simon Tisdall | Simon Tisdall |
| Like the US, Turkey fears Russia’s involvement in Syria will complicate an already fraught situation, prolong the war, and exacerbate the refugee crisis along Turkey’s border, across which more than 2 million Syrians have fled, writes Simon Tisdall. | Like the US, Turkey fears Russia’s involvement in Syria will complicate an already fraught situation, prolong the war, and exacerbate the refugee crisis along Turkey’s border, across which more than 2 million Syrians have fled, writes Simon Tisdall. |
| President Erdogan was said to be especially annoyed that he was not consulted about Russia’s intentions during his visit to Moscow in September when he met President Vladimir Putin. | President Erdogan was said to be especially annoyed that he was not consulted about Russia’s intentions during his visit to Moscow in September when he met President Vladimir Putin. |
| Turkey has a long history of tension with Russia over unresolved disputes such as Moscow’s support for Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian-controlled breakaway enclave in Azerbaijan. | Turkey has a long history of tension with Russia over unresolved disputes such as Moscow’s support for Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian-controlled breakaway enclave in Azerbaijan. |
| Ottoman Turkey and Tsarist Russia fought a war in 1877-78. And Stalin briefly laid claim to parts of eastern Turkey at the end of the Second World War. | Ottoman Turkey and Tsarist Russia fought a war in 1877-78. And Stalin briefly laid claim to parts of eastern Turkey at the end of the Second World War. |
| But ties have improved in recent times, with a series of energy and trade deals. Russia is now Turkey’s second-largest trading partner and 60% of its natural gas comes from Russia. | But ties have improved in recent times, with a series of energy and trade deals. Russia is now Turkey’s second-largest trading partner and 60% of its natural gas comes from Russia. |
| Economic dependence is one powerful reason, among several, why Erdogan will not want this latest border incident to escalate into a wider confrontation – although this is something that may not be entirely within his control. | Economic dependence is one powerful reason, among several, why Erdogan will not want this latest border incident to escalate into a wider confrontation – although this is something that may not be entirely within his control. |
| Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, is due to visit Ankara on Wednesday for bilateral talks. Turkish officials said the visit would go ahead as planned, even as they consult with Nato in Brussels. There will be much to discuss. | Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, is due to visit Ankara on Wednesday for bilateral talks. Turkish officials said the visit would go ahead as planned, even as they consult with Nato in Brussels. There will be much to discuss. |
| 11.24am GMT11:24 | 11.24am GMT11:24 |
| Nato is to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the downing of the Russian jet, according to the Times’ defence editor Deborah Haynes. | Nato is to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the downing of the Russian jet, according to the Times’ defence editor Deborah Haynes. |
| Extraordinary session of @NATO's North Atlantic Council will be held today following Turkey's downing of a Russian jet | Extraordinary session of @NATO's North Atlantic Council will be held today following Turkey's downing of a Russian jet |
| Turkey requested extraordinary @NATO council meeting to inform members of downing of Russian jet. Meeting will happen at 5pm Brussels time. | Turkey requested extraordinary @NATO council meeting to inform members of downing of Russian jet. Meeting will happen at 5pm Brussels time. |
| Updated at 11.28am GMT | Updated at 11.28am GMT |
| 11.18am GMT11:18 | 11.18am GMT11:18 |
| Turkey says it was defending its territory | Turkey says it was defending its territory |
| Kareem Shaheen | Kareem Shaheen |
| A Turkish government official has confirmed that the SU-24 was show down by Turk F-16s after being repeatedly warned about entering Turkish airspace. But in a statement he said the military action was not against any specific country but an act of self defence. | A Turkish government official has confirmed that the SU-24 was show down by Turk F-16s after being repeatedly warned about entering Turkish airspace. But in a statement he said the military action was not against any specific country but an act of self defence. |
| “In line with the military rules of engagement [MRoE], the Turkish authorities repeatedly warned an unidentified aircraft that they were 15km or less away from the border. The aircraft didn’t heed the warnings and proceeded to fly over Turkey. The Turkish Air Forces responded by downing the aircraft. | “In line with the military rules of engagement [MRoE], the Turkish authorities repeatedly warned an unidentified aircraft that they were 15km or less away from the border. The aircraft didn’t heed the warnings and proceeded to fly over Turkey. The Turkish Air Forces responded by downing the aircraft. |
| “In the past, we have made public our military rules of engagement and reminded our counterparts that any violation of Turkish airspace would trigger the actions prescribed by the MRoE. This isn’t an action against any specific country: Our F-16s took necessary steps to defend Turkey’s sovereign territory.” | “In the past, we have made public our military rules of engagement and reminded our counterparts that any violation of Turkish airspace would trigger the actions prescribed by the MRoE. This isn’t an action against any specific country: Our F-16s took necessary steps to defend Turkey’s sovereign territory.” |
| Updated at 11.31am GMT | Updated at 11.31am GMT |
| 11.15am GMT11:15 | 11.15am GMT11:15 |
| Julian Borger | Julian Borger |
| Aaron Stein, the author of a new book, Turkey’s New Foreign Policy, said Moscow miscalculated by repeatedly violating Turkey’s airspace. | Aaron Stein, the author of a new book, Turkey’s New Foreign Policy, said Moscow miscalculated by repeatedly violating Turkey’s airspace. |
| “This is the fourth Russian violation of Turkish airspace since they began airstrikes. Turkey’s rules of engagement are clear and well known. Moscow miscalculated. This is obviously a very serious incident. Ankara is likely to try and elevate this and begin formal consultations with Nato. Domestically, the pro-government press has championed the Turkmen cause in Syria and has lambasted Russia’s recent offensive in the area.” | “This is the fourth Russian violation of Turkish airspace since they began airstrikes. Turkey’s rules of engagement are clear and well known. Moscow miscalculated. This is obviously a very serious incident. Ankara is likely to try and elevate this and begin formal consultations with Nato. Domestically, the pro-government press has championed the Turkmen cause in Syria and has lambasted Russia’s recent offensive in the area.” |
| Updated at 11.20am GMT | Updated at 11.20am GMT |
| 11.13am GMT11:13 | 11.13am GMT11:13 |
| Craig Murray, a former British diplomat turned anti-war campaigner, says Turkey’s actions are unjustified and that the incident highlights the danger of the UK getting involved in the bombing campaign over Syria. Writing on his blog, Murray says: | Craig Murray, a former British diplomat turned anti-war campaigner, says Turkey’s actions are unjustified and that the incident highlights the danger of the UK getting involved in the bombing campaign over Syria. Writing on his blog, Murray says: |
| I calculate that each “incursion” over Turkish territory would have lasted about 10 seconds, assuming the plane was flying slowly at 600mph. That Turkey shot down the plane for this is madness, and absolutely indefensible. It is fairly obvious from the track that the plane was operating against Turkish sponsored Turkmen rebels inside Syria, and that is why the Turks shot it down. | I calculate that each “incursion” over Turkish territory would have lasted about 10 seconds, assuming the plane was flying slowly at 600mph. That Turkey shot down the plane for this is madness, and absolutely indefensible. It is fairly obvious from the track that the plane was operating against Turkish sponsored Turkmen rebels inside Syria, and that is why the Turks shot it down. |
| But the inescapable conclusion is that the true madness would be for the UK to get involved in Syria and make a complex and volatile situation still worse, and risk being dragged into wider conflict. | But the inescapable conclusion is that the true madness would be for the UK to get involved in Syria and make a complex and volatile situation still worse, and risk being dragged into wider conflict. |
| 11.06am GMT11:06 | 11.06am GMT11:06 |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| The deputy speaker of Russia’s parliament, and a member of its international affairs committee, accused Turkey of supporting Islamic State [Isis] and shooting down the Russian plane over Syria, writes Shaun Walker. | The deputy speaker of Russia’s parliament, and a member of its international affairs committee, accused Turkey of supporting Islamic State [Isis] and shooting down the Russian plane over Syria, writes Shaun Walker. |
| In response, he suggested that Russia should cancel flights to Turkey and evacuate all its citizens. Nikolai Levichev compared the attack to the bombing of a Russian Airbus over Sinai last month, apparently carried out by ISIS. The attack killed all 224 people on board and led to the cancellation of all flights between Russia and Egypt. | In response, he suggested that Russia should cancel flights to Turkey and evacuate all its citizens. Nikolai Levichev compared the attack to the bombing of a Russian Airbus over Sinai last month, apparently carried out by ISIS. The attack killed all 224 people on board and led to the cancellation of all flights between Russia and Egypt. |
| As individual politicians continue to speculate on the response, the real clues as to how aggressively Russia will react are likely to come only when we have heard Vladimir Putin speak. | As individual politicians continue to speculate on the response, the real clues as to how aggressively Russia will react are likely to come only when we have heard Vladimir Putin speak. |
| 11.03am GMT11:03 | 11.03am GMT11:03 |
| Reuters says it has been sent a copy of that graphic video purporting to show the dead Russian pilot. | Reuters says it has been sent a copy of that graphic video purporting to show the dead Russian pilot. |
| BREAKING: Video sent by Syrian rebel group to Reuters claims to show Russian pilot immobile on ground, official from group says he is dead | BREAKING: Video sent by Syrian rebel group to Reuters claims to show Russian pilot immobile on ground, official from group says he is dead |
| 10.55am GMT10:55 | 10.55am GMT10:55 |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| Putin, who was in Iran on Monday, has a planned meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan today in Sochi, writes Shaun Walker | Putin, who was in Iran on Monday, has a planned meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan today in Sochi, writes Shaun Walker |
| The Russian president is expected to speak on the Su-24 incident during a press appearance after that. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had a visit to Turkey planned tomorrow, there is no word on whether this will go ahead. | The Russian president is expected to speak on the Su-24 incident during a press appearance after that. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had a visit to Turkey planned tomorrow, there is no word on whether this will go ahead. |
| 10.53am GMT10:53 | 10.53am GMT10:53 |
| Julian Borger | Julian Borger |
| Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is now the chairman of the Edam think tank in Istanbul, says he is surprised an incident likes this hasn’t happened before. | Sinan Ulgen, a former Turkish diplomat who is now the chairman of the Edam think tank in Istanbul, says he is surprised an incident likes this hasn’t happened before. |
| “This was an incident in the making for some time as we have had some near misses in the past few weeks wher Turkey did not fully implement its own rules of engagement.” | “This was an incident in the making for some time as we have had some near misses in the past few weeks wher Turkey did not fully implement its own rules of engagement.” |
| “There were two airspace violations, and after that a very high level Russian military delegation came to Turkey to talk about it, including a top air force official. They apologised for one of the incidents, saying that in that case the Russian pilot didn’t speak the language. So we thought we had an understanding and solved the problem.” | “There were two airspace violations, and after that a very high level Russian military delegation came to Turkey to talk about it, including a top air force official. They apologised for one of the incidents, saying that in that case the Russian pilot didn’t speak the language. So we thought we had an understanding and solved the problem.” |
| “So it’s a surprise that it happened since that visit,” Ulgen, who is also a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “But it’s not a surprise in terms of Russian strategy. Since the intervention the Russians have been testing the Turkish response at its borders and its rules of engagement. | “So it’s a surprise that it happened since that visit,” Ulgen, who is also a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “But it’s not a surprise in terms of Russian strategy. Since the intervention the Russians have been testing the Turkish response at its borders and its rules of engagement. |
| “In this case, the pilot was warned a number of times. First at 13 miles out from the Turkish border, and then at 5 miles out, which is when Turkish jets scramble. It went past all those thresholds,” he said. | “In this case, the pilot was warned a number of times. First at 13 miles out from the Turkish border, and then at 5 miles out, which is when Turkish jets scramble. It went past all those thresholds,” he said. |
| 10.37am GMT10:37 | 10.37am GMT10:37 |
| Putin's spokesman calls for patience | Putin's spokesman calls for patience |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has issued a cautious early response writes Shaun Walker in Moscow. | Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has issued a cautious early response writes Shaun Walker in Moscow. |
| RIA Novosti quoted Peskov saying: | RIA Novosti quoted Peskov saying: |
| “It would be incorrect to make any evaluations or statements until we have the full information. So we just need to show patience. It’s a very serious event. But, without the full information it’s impossible to say anything, it wouldn’t be right.” | “It would be incorrect to make any evaluations or statements until we have the full information. So we just need to show patience. It’s a very serious event. But, without the full information it’s impossible to say anything, it wouldn’t be right.” |
| Updated at 10.41am GMT | Updated at 10.41am GMT |
| 10.35am GMT10:35 | 10.35am GMT10:35 |
| Video purporting to show dead Russian pilot | Video purporting to show dead Russian pilot |
| Graphic video purporting to show a dead Russian pilot is being widely circulated, but we cannot verify its authenticity. | Graphic video purporting to show a dead Russian pilot is being widely circulated, but we cannot verify its authenticity. |
| BrookingsDoha analyst Charles Lister says the video shows the dead pilot wearing Russian uniform and equipment. He says the dead pilot is now reported to be in the hands of anti-Assad rebels from the Alwiya Al-‘Ashar group. | BrookingsDoha analyst Charles Lister says the video shows the dead pilot wearing Russian uniform and equipment. He says the dead pilot is now reported to be in the hands of anti-Assad rebels from the Alwiya Al-‘Ashar group. |
| Updated at 10.38am GMT | Updated at 10.38am GMT |
| 10.26am GMT10:26 | 10.26am GMT10:26 |
| Turkey has released flight radar images appearing to show that the Russian jet briefly flew over southern Turkey before it as shot down, CNN Turk reports. | Turkey has released flight radar images appearing to show that the Russian jet briefly flew over southern Turkey before it as shot down, CNN Turk reports. |
| #BREAKING Flight radar track on downed warplane issued by Turkish military pic.twitter.com/xREQbclVwK | #BREAKING Flight radar track on downed warplane issued by Turkish military pic.twitter.com/xREQbclVwK |
| 10.21am GMT10:21 | 10.21am GMT10:21 |
| Nato officials say that they are in touch with the Turkish authorities, reports Julian Borger, our diplomatic editor. | Nato officials say that they are in touch with the Turkish authorities, reports Julian Borger, our diplomatic editor. |
| Nato has not said whether they are in touch with Moscow. | Nato has not said whether they are in touch with Moscow. |
| The New York Times reports that Turkish prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, has ordered the foreign ministry to consult with NATO and the United Nations over the episode. | The New York Times reports that Turkish prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, has ordered the foreign ministry to consult with NATO and the United Nations over the episode. |
| Last week, Turkey summoned the Russian ambassador, Andrei Karlov, to discuss Ankara’s concerns over the bombing of Turkmen villages in northern Syria and called for an immediate end to the Russian military operation close to the Turkish border, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. | Last week, Turkey summoned the Russian ambassador, Andrei Karlov, to discuss Ankara’s concerns over the bombing of Turkmen villages in northern Syria and called for an immediate end to the Russian military operation close to the Turkish border, according to a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. |
| “It was stressed that the Russian side’s actions were not a fight against terror, but they bombed civilian Turkmen villages and this could lead to serious consequences,” the statement said. | “It was stressed that the Russian side’s actions were not a fight against terror, but they bombed civilian Turkmen villages and this could lead to serious consequences,” the statement said. |
| Ankara has long sought the protection of Turkmens, who are of Turkish descent, in Syria. | Ankara has long sought the protection of Turkmens, who are of Turkish descent, in Syria. |
| Updated at 10.24am GMT | Updated at 10.24am GMT |
| 10.19am GMT10:19 | 10.19am GMT10:19 |
| Shaun Walker | Shaun Walker |
| Shaun Walker in Moscow writes: The big question now, of course, is how Russia will respond? | Shaun Walker in Moscow writes: The big question now, of course, is how Russia will respond? |
| President Putin is reportedly readying a statement. On Russian state television, there was little discussion of the Turkish claim they had shot the plane down, with anchors and analysts speculating that the Su-24 could have been shot down by rebels with anti-aircraft weapons. This chimes with the Russian Defence Ministry’s claim that the plane was shot down from the ground, but completely contradicts the Turkish statement that an F-16 from its airforce shot the plane down. | President Putin is reportedly readying a statement. On Russian state television, there was little discussion of the Turkish claim they had shot the plane down, with anchors and analysts speculating that the Su-24 could have been shot down by rebels with anti-aircraft weapons. This chimes with the Russian Defence Ministry’s claim that the plane was shot down from the ground, but completely contradicts the Turkish statement that an F-16 from its airforce shot the plane down. |
| 10.13am GMT10:13 | 10.13am GMT10:13 |
| Constanze Letsch | Constanze Letsch |
| According to CNNTurk reporting from the border town of Yayladagi, one of the Russian pilots is in the hands of Turkmen opposition fighters, while they are still looking for the second pilot on the ground, writes Constanze Letsch. | According to CNNTurk reporting from the border town of Yayladagi, one of the Russian pilots is in the hands of Turkmen opposition fighters, while they are still looking for the second pilot on the ground, writes Constanze Letsch. |
| Local media also say that Russian helicopters are searching for the two fighter jet pilots, but that Turkmen forces prevent them from landing. | Local media also say that Russian helicopters are searching for the two fighter jet pilots, but that Turkmen forces prevent them from landing. |
| CNN Turk later reported one of the pilots was found dead. | CNN Turk later reported one of the pilots was found dead. |
| Unverified footage claimed to show the pilots body, according to analyst Eliot Higgins who monitors the conflict in Syria on social media. | Unverified footage claimed to show the pilots body, according to analyst Eliot Higgins who monitors the conflict in Syria on social media. |
| Graphic, unverified, photo of what's claimed to be a dead Russian pilot being shared, not bringing up any reverse image search results. | Graphic, unverified, photo of what's claimed to be a dead Russian pilot being shared, not bringing up any reverse image search results. |
| 10.04am GMT10:04 | 10.04am GMT10:04 |
| Today’s incident comes just over a month after a Turkish jet shot down a drone that entered its airspace from Syria. | Today’s incident comes just over a month after a Turkish jet shot down a drone that entered its airspace from Syria. |
| The drone was a similar size and shape to small surveillance craft used by Russia, and military sources in Beirut and the Turkish capital said it is likely that it belonged to the Russian military. But Moscow said all its jets and drones had returned safely to base. | The drone was a similar size and shape to small surveillance craft used by Russia, and military sources in Beirut and the Turkish capital said it is likely that it belonged to the Russian military. But Moscow said all its jets and drones had returned safely to base. |
| Turkey had warned Moscow, after several incursions by fighter jets earlier this month, that it would not tolerate further entries into its airspace. Turkish officials appeared anxious, however, to avoid an escalation on Friday, emphasising that the aircraft was unmanned and refusing to publicly apportion blame. | Turkey had warned Moscow, after several incursions by fighter jets earlier this month, that it would not tolerate further entries into its airspace. Turkish officials appeared anxious, however, to avoid an escalation on Friday, emphasising that the aircraft was unmanned and refusing to publicly apportion blame. |
| The encounter underscored the febrile atmosphere along the Turkish-Syrian border, where Russia has emerged as a major player in the Syrian war over the past month, boosting the fortunes of Bashar al-Assad and, in doing so, weakening Turkey’s four-year campaign to oust the beleaguered Syrian leader. | The encounter underscored the febrile atmosphere along the Turkish-Syrian border, where Russia has emerged as a major player in the Syrian war over the past month, boosting the fortunes of Bashar al-Assad and, in doing so, weakening Turkey’s four-year campaign to oust the beleaguered Syrian leader. |
| Turkey’s entire 900km frontier with its southern neighbour is now deeply unstable, with Islamic State again ascendant north of Aleppo, Kurdish groups having used the chaos to advance their ambitions, and Russia having effectively established a no-fly zone above north-west Syria, where many of Ankara’s allies are based. | Turkey’s entire 900km frontier with its southern neighbour is now deeply unstable, with Islamic State again ascendant north of Aleppo, Kurdish groups having used the chaos to advance their ambitions, and Russia having effectively established a no-fly zone above north-west Syria, where many of Ankara’s allies are based. |
| 9.59am GMT09:59 | 9.59am GMT09:59 |
| The incident highlights the failure of US and Russia attempts to “deconflict” military conflict over Syria. The US, which is leading an aerial campaign against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq was not involved in the incident. But after Russia launched its own bombing campaign over Syria, the US pledged to ensure that US and Russian air forces don’t shoot at each other while they conduct overlapping air campaigns over Syria. | The incident highlights the failure of US and Russia attempts to “deconflict” military conflict over Syria. The US, which is leading an aerial campaign against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq was not involved in the incident. But after Russia launched its own bombing campaign over Syria, the US pledged to ensure that US and Russian air forces don’t shoot at each other while they conduct overlapping air campaigns over Syria. |
| Related: 'Deconflict': buzzword to prevent risk of a US-Russian clash over Syria | Related: 'Deconflict': buzzword to prevent risk of a US-Russian clash over Syria |
| 9.52am GMT09:52 | 9.52am GMT09:52 |
| The incident is the first time a Nato member has come to direct blows with Russia over the crisis in Syria, Kareem Shaheen in Beirut and Shaun Walker in Moscow point out. | The incident is the first time a Nato member has come to direct blows with Russia over the crisis in Syria, Kareem Shaheen in Beirut and Shaun Walker in Moscow point out. |
| The area near where the plane was shot down is the site of ongoing clashes between forces loyal to the embattled Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and rebels fighting to overthrow him. | The area near where the plane was shot down is the site of ongoing clashes between forces loyal to the embattled Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, and rebels fighting to overthrow him. |
| Russia launched a military intervention in October aimed at protecting the areas in western Syria still under control by the regime after nearly five years of civil war, and the northern Latakia countryside has seen repeated aerial assaults by both the Russian and Syrian air forces. | Russia launched a military intervention in October aimed at protecting the areas in western Syria still under control by the regime after nearly five years of civil war, and the northern Latakia countryside has seen repeated aerial assaults by both the Russian and Syrian air forces. |
| Shortly after the Russian intervention, Turkey warned the Kremlin that it would not tolerate violations of its airspace, after two incidents that prompted consultations with Nato. | Shortly after the Russian intervention, Turkey warned the Kremlin that it would not tolerate violations of its airspace, after two incidents that prompted consultations with Nato. |
| Turkey opposes Assad and has condemned the Russian intervention for targeting rebels not affiliated with the terror group Islamic State. | Turkey opposes Assad and has condemned the Russian intervention for targeting rebels not affiliated with the terror group Islamic State. |
| The latest incident highlights the grave risks of clashes of arms between the various international forces that have intervened in Syria. A coalition led by the US is conducting an ongoing campaign against Isis in the country, and American and Russian officials have worked on ensuring there are no clashes between their forces as they pursue their separate campaigns. | The latest incident highlights the grave risks of clashes of arms between the various international forces that have intervened in Syria. A coalition led by the US is conducting an ongoing campaign against Isis in the country, and American and Russian officials have worked on ensuring there are no clashes between their forces as they pursue their separate campaigns. |
| But the shooting down of the Russian plane is an escalation that leaves open the possibility of an open clash between a Nato member state and Russia, whose intervention shows an increasing assertiveness in international affairs. | But the shooting down of the Russian plane is an escalation that leaves open the possibility of an open clash between a Nato member state and Russia, whose intervention shows an increasing assertiveness in international affairs. |
| 9.47am GMT09:47 | 9.47am GMT09:47 |
| Turkey's version of events | Turkey's version of events |
| The jet violated Turkish airspace, according to Turkey’s version of events courtesy of the state Anadolu agency” | The jet violated Turkish airspace, according to Turkey’s version of events courtesy of the state Anadolu agency” |
| Turkish jets shot down a warplane believed to be a Russian type SU-24 for violating Turkey’s airspace near its border with Syria on Tuesday, Turkish presidential sources said. | Turkish jets shot down a warplane believed to be a Russian type SU-24 for violating Turkey’s airspace near its border with Syria on Tuesday, Turkish presidential sources said. |
| The warplane went down in Syria’s northwestern Turkmen town of Bayirbucak near Turkey’s border within the framework of engagement rules, the sources added. | The warplane went down in Syria’s northwestern Turkmen town of Bayirbucak near Turkey’s border within the framework of engagement rules, the sources added. |
| The Turkish General Staff said the downed foreign jet was issued 10 warnings in five minutes and it was shot down by two F-16s. | The Turkish General Staff said the downed foreign jet was issued 10 warnings in five minutes and it was shot down by two F-16s. |
| Turkish Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar briefed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the situation following the crash. Akar along with Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu also briefed Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. | Turkish Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar briefed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the situation following the crash. Akar along with Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu also briefed Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. |
| 9.44am GMT09:44 | 9.44am GMT09:44 |
| Russia's version of events | Russia's version of events |
| Here’s Russia’s Ministry of Defence version of what happen: | Here’s Russia’s Ministry of Defence version of what happen: |
| Today an aircraft from the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic crashed on the territory of Syria supposedly shot down from the ground. | Today an aircraft from the Russian air group in the Syrian Arab Republic crashed on the territory of Syria supposedly shot down from the ground. |
| The aircraft was flying at the altitude of 6,000 metres. The status of the Russian pilots is being defined. | The aircraft was flying at the altitude of 6,000 metres. The status of the Russian pilots is being defined. |
| According to the preliminary data, the pilots managed to eject from the warplane. | According to the preliminary data, the pilots managed to eject from the warplane. |
| The circumstances of the crash are being defined. | The circumstances of the crash are being defined. |
| During all the flight time, the aircraft was flying only within the borders of the Syrian territory. That was registered by objective monitoring data. | During all the flight time, the aircraft was flying only within the borders of the Syrian territory. That was registered by objective monitoring data. |
| 9.37am GMT09:37 | 9.37am GMT09:37 |
| Daily Sabah has footage appearing to show the pilots parachuting before the SU-24 crashed. | Daily Sabah has footage appearing to show the pilots parachuting before the SU-24 crashed. |
| Video shows pilots ejected with parachutes from downed Russian warplane https://t.co/WwECrg6iIE pic.twitter.com/elgXPLhgGF | Video shows pilots ejected with parachutes from downed Russian warplane https://t.co/WwECrg6iIE pic.twitter.com/elgXPLhgGF |
| 9.31am GMT09:31 | 9.31am GMT09:31 |
| Welcome to live coverage of the aftermath of the apparent shooting down of a Russian jet by Turkish forces near the border with Syria. | Welcome to live coverage of the aftermath of the apparent shooting down of a Russian jet by Turkish forces near the border with Syria. |
| Here’s what we know so far: | Here’s what we know so far: |
| #SONDAKİKA! Türkmen Dağı'nın yakınına savaş uçağı düştü... Uçağın düşme anını Habertürk TV ekibi görüntüledi https://t.co/PCUK9Z6RTA | #SONDAKİKA! Türkmen Dağı'nın yakınına savaş uçağı düştü... Uçağın düşme anını Habertürk TV ekibi görüntüledi https://t.co/PCUK9Z6RTA |
| Updated at 9.38am GMT | Updated at 9.38am GMT |