Vladimir Putin is predicted to go to Turkey in early October, after cancelling a number of beforehand deliberate visits to the nation.
Nevertheless, President Putin has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Turkey amid rising worries over an assassination plot. The Kremlin made clear to Ankara that President Putin desires his airplane to be escorted by Russian fighter jets. This comes because the Russian chief is terrified that Ukraine might shoot down his presidential airplane en path to Ankara.
Russia and Turkey have been discussing an official go to from President Putin for nearly two years. Whereas officers beforehand blamed the Russian elections earlier this yr for the cancellations, it’s thought that President Putin has postponed the journey as a consequence of fears of assassination.
In July this yr, Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov admitted that a number of makes an attempt have been made to assassinate President Putin. Mr Budanov didn’t specify whether or not the Ukrainian authorities was concerned in these makes an attempt on the Kremlin chief
The weird demand for Russian fighter jets touchdown in Ankara poses an issue for Turkey, which is a member of NATO.
It’s unclear whether or not the NATO air-defence methods within the nation would deal with the Russian fighter jets as enemy targets.
This has sparked considerations that Ankara would shut off NATO’s air defence methods to indulge the Russian chief.
Two former Turkish ambassadors informed the Center East Eye (MEE) that the Russian request was very uncommon.
One stated: “The Turkish authorities could ship fighter jets to escort overseas heads of states as a gesture.
“I can not recall any go to the place the overseas heads of state want to convey over his or her nation’s fighter jets alongside.”
In response to sources, who spoke to MEE, the Kremlin’s safety crew has additionally raised considerations about staying in Ankara through the journey.
They’re fearful that main motels within the Turkish capital together with the Hilton, Sheraton, and JW Marriott, are unsafe as a consequence of their US possession.
Russia is reportedly demanding that Ankara present a authorities visitor home for President Putin, which once more breaks with conventional diplomatic protocol.
President Putin is reportedly eager to solidify his relationship with Turkey, which has suffered ups and downs within the current previous.
Whereas Russia slammed Ankara for supplying weapons to Kyiv earlier this yr, Moscow can be eager to bolster commerce between the 2 nations.
Moscow desires to seal an settlement to construct a second nuclear energy plant in Turkey’s Sinop, following the one it constructed in Akkuyu.
Each nations are additionally discussing establishing a gasoline hub in western Turkey.