Anna Popp12:36, 11.09.24

Russia’s unusual demand raises doubts about the possibility of Putin’s visit to Ankara.

Vladimir Putin made a demand to Turkey that his plane be accompanied by Russian fighter jets during his visit to Ankara, reports

According to Middle East Eye, citing unnamed sources, the Russian president, who has not visited Turkey since 2020, made an unusual request for the organization of the visit – that his plane be accompanied by Russian fighter jets during the flight to Ankara. Sources say this is due to concerns about the potential danger to the flight path, in particular due to Ukrainian air defense systems.

Two former Turkish ambassadors called such a demand “extremely unusual” and unlikely to be fulfilled. Turkish authorities can arrange for foreign leaders to be escorted by their fighter jets, but the escorting of Putin’s plane by Russian planes is a precedent that could affect the security of the Alliance’s airspace.

In addition, the Russian side expressed concern about the security of the politician’s accommodation in large Ankara hotels owned by American companies. Government House can be an alternative, but such a protocol is extremely rare.

The planned visit of the Russian president at the beginning of October is now in question, as the Turkish authorities are considering the possibility of refusing to meet the demands of the Russian leader.

(C)UNIAN 2024