Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev described Turkey’s downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in Syria as a criminal act.
According to him, "the recklessness of the Turkish authorities’ criminal actions in downing the Russian airplane has led to three consequences."
"First, the dangerous worsening of relations between Russia and NATO, which cannot be justified by any interests, including the protection of state borders," the Prime Minister said. "Secondly, Turkey has demonstrated its intention to protect the IS militants," Medvedev continued. He said he was not surprised by this, given the available information "about the direct financial interest of some Turkish officials associated with the supply of oil products produced at the enterprises under the control of IS."
A third consequence, according to the Russian Prime Minister, is the undermining of enduring friendly relations between Russia and Turkey, including in the economic and humanitarian spheres. "This damage will be difficult to compensate, and its immediate consequences could turn into the rejection of a range of important joint projects and the loss of positions by Turkish companies on the Russian market," TASS cited Medvedev as saying.