Russian
President Vladimir has taken adverse measures to counter Turkey after
it shot down its war planes by sending state-of-the art air defense
missile systems to be deployed at a Russian air base in Syria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
Russian President, Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered state-of-the
art air defense missile systems to be deployed at a Russian air base in
Syria following the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey, a move
that raised the threat of a military confrontation between the NATO
member and Russia.
The S-400 missile systems, which will be sent to the Hemeimeem air
base in Syria’s coastal province of Latakia, located just about 50
kilometers (30 miles) south of the border with Turkey, are capable of
targeting Turkish jets with deadly precision. If Russia shot down a
Turkish plane, NATO would be required to intervene.
Turkey shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber Tuesday, saying it crossed
into its airspace from Syria despite repeated warnings. One of its two
pilots was killed by militants after bailing out, while his crewmate was
rescued by Syrian army commandos and delivered in good condition to the
Russian base.
Putin said the Russian plane remained in Syria’s skies when it was shot down. He described Turkey’s action as a “crime” and a “stab in the back,” warning of serious consequences.
On Wednesday, Putin ordered the military to deploy the S-400s to Hemeimeem and took other measures that “should be sufficient to ensure flight safety.”
Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday that the Russian
missile cruiser Moskva already has moved closer to shore to protect the
Russian aircraft flying missions near Syria’s border with Turkey with
its long-range Fort air defense system.
Shoigu also said that from now on, all Russian bombers will be
escorted by fighters on their combat missions in Syria. He said that his
ministry has severed all contacts with the Turkish military.
Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, who canceled his planned
trip to Turkey after the incident, described the shooting down of the
Russian plane as a “planned provocation.”
He said the Turkish action came after Russian planes successfully
targeted the oil infrastructure used by the Islamic State, alleging that
Turkey benefited from the oil trade. Lavrov also said that Turkish
territory was used by “terrorists” to prepare terror attacks in other countries, but offered no details.
He said that Russia “has no intention to go to war with Turkey,” but
added that Moscow will re-consider its ties with Ankara. The Russian
Foreign Ministry already has warned Russians against traveling to
Turkey, and some leading Russian tourist agencies suspended the sales of
tour packages to Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that his
country does not wish to escalate tensions with Russia over the downing
of the plane.
