Putin's ultimatum: Russian fighters have to accompany Turkey during a visit to Turkey - the media

According to journalists, it is difficult to comply with the Kremlin head, as NATO air defense systems can accept Russian fighters for hostile purposes. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that during his visit to Turkey he would be accompanied by Russian fighters, which delayed the trip to Istanbul. About it reports the British news site Middle East Eye with reference to sources. Turkey balances between its NATO obligations and contacts with Russia, journalists say.

In July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that in an conditions when there are 32 allies, it is unthinkable that everyone has one views on each issue. According to journalists, it is difficult to comply with the Kremlin head, as NATO air defense systems can accept Russian fighters for hostile purposes. One source of journalists noted that Ankara did not bow to disconnect the Alliance and fulfill the fighter request.

The Turkish Government could direct fighters to meet and accompany the heads of states flying with a visit to the country. The unnamed former Turkish ambassador informed about it. "Nevertheless, I cannot remember any visit, during which officials of foreign countries would like to bring with me even fighters," the ambassador said.

Another ambassador said to the publication that there is no clear instructions on such a request, that is, the question is "in the gray zone", and it is difficult to say how to do in such cases. The visit was planned at the beginning of October, but because of the unresolved issue with Russian fighters, it is now unlikely, journalists write. Russian officials, for their part, called Ankara hotels owned by US hotel operators dangerous for the Russian President.