Russia responds to downed jet with economic retaliation against Turkey – Turkish Stream gas pipeline might be scrapped

“It was a sneaky stab in the back by those we thought they were our allies in the war against terrorism,” he said

Russian President Vladimir Putin once more lashed out at the Turkish leadership after the downing of the Russian jet and accused Turkey of deliberately leading the relations of the two countries to a deadlock.

He also reiterated that Turkey has still not apologized for the downing of the Russian fighter adding that event was a stab in the back.

“It was an inexplicable and sneaky stab in the back by those we thought they were our allies and partners in the war against terrorism,” said Mr. Putin.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told the Russian Government to prepare measures, including the cancellation of joint investment projects with Turkey in retaliation for the downing of a Russian jet from Turkey.

During a meeting with Russian ministers, Mr. Medvedev said that the measures will include restrictions on food imports from Turkey.

Russia’s Economic Development Minister stated that the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project falls under the restrictive measures against Turkey adding that the restrictions may also include the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently under construction in the southern province of Mersin in Turkey, Alexey Ulyukayev said.

The minister also noted that restrictions in aerial communication may include regular and charter flights.

Earlier, though, Russia’s spokesman Dmitry  Peskov stressed that Moscow was still waiting for a rational explanation for the downing of the Russian fighter adding that the Russian government did not consider taking actions against Turkey or imposing an embargo in the food trade.

“We are still expecting a realistic explanation from the Turkish side,” Mr. Peskov told reporters.